wire gauge for trolling motor

[Guest Fatman]

I have to run some new wiring for a rear trolling motor in my boat. What size of wire would a person use for a 24v system.

Thanks in advance.

[arvey 154]

I have to run some new wiring for a rear trolling motor in my boat. What size of wire would a person use for a 24v system.

Thanks in advance.

go heavy 10 maybe.don't use trailer wiring to small,i found that out myself a few years back.

arvey

[Bear 77]

You are exactly right Arvey, 10 guage automotive or marine wiring is the best. The reason being that trolling motors, especially the 24 volt models can draw up to about 48 amps, when under load, like fishing in the wind pushing or pulling a heavier boat. Any guage lighter will overheat and melt, possibly causing a fire. I have seen everything from house wiring to speaker wire for wiring trolling motors. I can never figure out why someone would spend all that money on a motor, then cheap out on the wiring.

Do yourself a favour and add a 50 amp resetable in line circuit breaker in the hot wire for further protection. They are only about 10 bucks and protect your motor and boat from damage.

Bear

[Guest Fatman]

Hey, were would you find a 50 amp inline circut breaker.

[Some Old Guy 968]

Any electrical supply store has them.

Roger

[Guest Hoistanen]

I just did a 24v conversion and I used 6 guage wire, but my batteries are at the back. That is what they suggest that you use. The only additional hurdle that you have with 6 guage is that you will need an adapter for your plug in - as it only accepts up to 8 guage. With the batteries at the front you could go with 8 guage.