What gauge of wire should I use for a 24V 70IB thrust trolling motor?

[schrmit]

I have a 24V Motorguide Pro Series 70IB thrust trolling motor. What gauge of wire should I use?
I have a pluge that is 12V and 24V good but the wires attached look like they're 8 gauge. I'm not sure if that is ok.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What gauge of wire should I use for a 24V 70IB thrust trolling motor?

That wire size is fine but that depends on the length of the circuit from battery to motor and back.

 

[mxcobra]

Re: What gauge of wire should I use for a 24V 70IB thrust trolling motor?

if the wire gets hot then you need a bigger one,

 

[schrmit]

Re: What gauge of wire should I use for a 24V 70IB thrust trolling motor?

I have a 16' boat, so if I wanted the batteries in the back and I have the trolling motor in the front how would I figure out what gauge of wire I need?

 

[saumon]

Re: What gauge of wire should I use for a 24V 70IB thrust trolling motor?

My Minnkota (55lbs 12V PowerDrive) user manual say to use 6 gauge when extending/replacing the power cord (the OEM one is a 4ft 8 gauge)...

You's say the same on page 13 http://www.motorguide.com/userfiles/file/Support/OwnersManuals/2011%20Freshwater-Saltwater%20Manual.pdf

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What gauge of wire should I use for a 24V 70IB thrust trolling motor?

You refer to an AMPACITY chart that provides voltage drop, resistance per foot, maximum current and a host of other information based on various lengths and gauges of wire. 8 gauge is fine for a 16 foot boat. A 70# motor on 24 volts has a maximum current draw of 42 amps which is well within the capability of the wire. A 50 amp breaker at the battery should be fine as well. Rarely will the motor draw 42 amps. Probably only when the weeds have stalled the motor.

 

[schrmit]

Re: What gauge of wire should I use for a 24V 70IB thrust trolling motor?

You refer to an AMPACITY chart that provides voltage drop, resistance per foot, maximum current and a host of other information based on various lengths and gauges of wire. 8 gauge is fine for a 16 foot boat. A 70# motor on 24 volts has a maximum current draw of 42 amps which is well within the capability of the wire. A 50 amp breaker at the battery should be fine as well. Rarely will the motor draw 42 amps. Probably only when the weeds have stalled the motor.

Wow thanks, this answers a lot of my questions.