bigger wire on troller?

[procraftmark]

I have the standard bassboat setup with my 12/24 troller plug in front ,and it looks like I have 10 gauge running the whole length , I am running a 24 volt system , if I replace the wiring with say 6 gauge will It make a noticable difference in power?<br /><br />thnx<br />mark

 

[petryshyn]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

This is a very subjective question pending on several factors. Take 2 voltage readings while trolling as shown below. If there is a difference of more than 1 volt between each meter, then its worth increasing the wire size.<br /><br />

 

[roscoe]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

Schematic, you got the coolest diagrams!

 

[Boatist]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

ProcraftMark<br />I agree with Schematic. I would add, when doing check have your trolling motor on it highest setting. Another way to get an idea if it might help is to compare size of wire to trolling motor itself with size of wire to battery. Voltage reading the best way. If you do change it I would suggest useing marine wire.

 

[procraftmark]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

thnx all

 

[bassin51]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

I changed my 12v troller from 10 gauge to 4. It was well worth the time and money. It seems like it almost doubled the time between charges. I bypassed the plug, hard wired directly to motor.

 

[Boatist]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

Mark<br />Thank for coming back with the info and results.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

Just for informations sake, wire size is more critical for a 12v troller than a 24v unit.

 

[sergioy]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

where can I get some of this 4 gauge wire? I had a hard time finding 10 gauge.

 

[Stumpbumper]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

Why not try just adding a second 10ga wire and connect both instead of a single 4ga.<br /><br />Terry

 

[procraftmark]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

sorry boatist , it looks like the wire on the t/m is bigger than the wire to the receptacle it appears like the boat wiring is 10ga. but I am not sure. <br /><br />mark

 

[buttonhook]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

go to where they install high powered car steroes to get the bigger wire, they would prob. run it for you.

 

[tscott]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

4 gauge has more ampacity than 2 10 gauge wires paralled. The bigger the wire size, the less resistance,therefore the less amperage.<br /><br />Your 10 gauge was probably getting hot.Any trolling motor over 45lbs. thrust should use 6 gauge at least.<br /><br />The less resistance,the less heat, the less voltage loss.<br /><br />Tom<br />P.S. I'm an electrician by trade.Wiring is once thing I know about.Still learning about boats.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: bigger wire on troller?

the less resistance,therefore the less amperage.<br />

interesting........are you referring to CEMF?