trolling motor wire gauge

[snapshotmd]

I have a Minn Kota Endura 30# TM.  Per the instruction manual, I got 6 AWG marine cable to extend the wires on my TM.  However, I found out that the supplied wires are only 14 AWG.  In addition, the butt splice connectors for 6 gauge does not work well with 14 gauge wire.  So then I said "I don't understand" and used 12 gauge wire to hook up the TM to the battery.  Took it out for a test drive.  So far, so good.

I know that the convention is to use at lease 8 AWG marine wire when hooking up power to a TM.  But if MK supplies 14 AWG wire, isn't the 8 AWG minimum a bit overkill?  Besides, I've found it really hard to get connectors, terminals, etc. for anything bigger than 10 AWG.

What's your opinion?  I'd like to know.

[k4phd]

Hey, I just extended my TM wires about four feet. I have an Endura 40 and I bought 6 gauge wire from Lowes. It is stiffer than what is on trolling motor, but with this application it won't be a problem. I found connectors to splice with at Lowes also.  Over in the section where all the nuts and bolts and screws are I found copper lugs that will crimp in to the end of the cable and they fit on the 3/8 threaded post on the battery. Be sure to check the wires while trolling to be sure they aren't getting hot. Good luck.

Jim

[Team_Dougherty]

I would use the 6 Gauge wire. The wire that come with the motor is usually 10 gauge. This wire is big enough to go right to the battery. For a longer run you're gonna need the bigger wire.

To use the 6 gauge connector with the smaller wire. Strip the smaller wire longer than you need and fold it in half and in half again. it should than be big enough to fill the connector. Or, strip a small piece of the 6 gauge wire to take up the extra space.

or you can just use a split bolt connector and electrical tape.

http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11065089/Split_Bolt_Connector.jpg

[Long Mike]

To begin with, I find it very hard to believe that the leads coming from your trolling motor are only 14 gauge, but if you say so...

The reason that the TM manufacturers recommend 6 gauge is because of the potential distance between your motor and the battery.  If the motor is in the front of the boat and the battery is in the back, then a longer, thinner wire creates more electrical resistance and can over heat, causing a short, or even worse, a fire.

If your battery is located right next to your motor, the feel free to attach your 14? gauge wire to the battery.

[snapshotmd]

The TM wire is definitely not 10 AWG.  I compared the TM wire with 12 gauge wire and the TM wire was slightly thinner than the 12 gauge.  In addition, I compared the cross section of the TM wire to my wire stripper.  I used the 14 AWG (stranded) hole and have not lost any stranded wire.  The insulation of the TM wire is very thick, giving the illusion of a thicker gauge.

[Maggiesmaster]

When I re-wired mine, I used welders wire my brother-in-law bought from an electrical supply house. One idea I've heard about is to pick up a set of jumper cables the proper length and use it. That's prob. cheaper.

[bowtech_182]

To begin with, I find it very hard to believe that the leads coming from your trolling motor are only 14 gauge, but if you say so...

The reason that the TM manufacturers recommend 6 gauge is because of the potential distance between your motor and the battery. If the motor is in the front of the boat and the battery is in the back, then a longer, thinner wire creates more electrical resistance and can over heat, causing a short, or even worse, a fire.

If your battery is located right next to your motor, the feel free to attach your 14? gauge wire to the battery.

I can guarantee that his 30 lb endura has 14 gauge wiring as mine does also. Its just a puny 30lb TM Personally, I would use at least 10 gauge for an extension but would feel comfortable using 12 gauge for up to 5 ft of extension.

'

I'm pretty sure that my powerdrive 40 was 10 gauge. I used 4 gauge for the 15 ft extension. You really can't go too big within reason, but too small can be very dangerous.