Tons of info on the site, I typically run 6 gauge to my TMs, but my new Competitor is pre-wired with 8 gauge to the TM. Anybody have any issues running a 112lb/ 36v TM on 8 gauge wire?
Seems a little crazy to pull the wire that’s already there and run 6 gauge instead.
The missing variable is how long is the run? With DC that’s a very important factor.
Personally, I eagerly await the day when I see a freshwater walleye or bass boat that has any wire that is anything but the bare minimum the manufacturer could get away with. My guess is if you use an online calculator and take the run length, look up the draw, and the voltage, the existing wire will be just barely adequate for a 12 volt motor and only then if no splices or plugs are used, which of course they will be…
Grouse
According to the Minn Kota website 8ga would be the minimum, but it is fine, see link. That’s actually going off ABYC rules. If I were to wire it myself I would probably go 6. Luckily the Competitors have the batteries in the front so the wire run is pretty short.
https://www.minnkotamotors.com/support/compatibility/battery-selection-and-rigging
Ya the TM batteries are under the bow rod locker, run will probably be 15′ by the time you feed the wire. Should be fine I guess, but I agree with Grouse, cost of boats go up but rigging quality for this type of thing doesn’t seem to.
Someone at the factory thought it was wise to screw down a little plastic wire clip on the bow to hold the 2 inches of power wire they ran for the bow mount graph, so now I have a screw hole in my bow that I would have never had ugh!
I’m fussy and always rig my boats myself, why would they permanently mount a wire and only leave 2 inches of slake with butt splices clamped on. UGH!
As stated, for DC wire gauge is important. Also as you go up in voltage (12v vs 36v) the gauge can be reduced for the same lenght of run. There are minimum gauge @ voltage vs run length charts on the Google.
Thanks! Just found this.. says 8 gauge for 20′ but calculator doesn’t go to 36v maxes out at 32v
When figuring DC wire gauge run length you need to figure in the length TO and FROM the device you are powering.
What is important is the resistance of the wire. The larger the wire the lower the resistance. The longer the wire the more the resistance.
Resistance times current is voltage. Small wires, high current, poor connections (splices and plugs) all reduce the voltage to the device you are powering.
Replacing the wire to your trolling motor is a small price to pay for a properly running device. With the reduced voltage caused by the marginal wiring will stress the electronics in your $2400 trolling motor.
It is your high buck toy. Fish on…
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