Wiring bow trolling motor on 13’ aluminum V

[davidmbv]

Hello,
I just installed a new bow mounted trolling motor(older minn kota 50lb powerdrive) on my 13’ Gregor aluminum boat. Per Minn Kota’s recommendation I’m going to use 4awg wire(not marine grade only standard insulated-copper) to run power from my battery at the stern to the motor on the bow. It will be about a 15’ run after routing the wires etc. I have plywood/sealed/carpeted flooring and was curious if I need to insulate the wire with some type of conduit or can I just lay it on the bottom of the aluminum boat and tuck the wires under the flooring? I have a minn kota power center battery box that has a built in 60amp circuit breaker . I’m just curious if I should be worried about the wires laying on a metal (aluminum) hull . They may see some moisture but I plan to run them on the sides under the flooring and the boat is darn dry. I’m no electrical expert but do plan to make all wire connections secure by crimping/soldering and shrink wrapping . So, should I run the wires in 3/4” conduit or can I just lay the wire on the floor of the aluminum boat ?
Thanks

 

[T/O]

I'm not a boat mechanic but I'm an electrician, if it was me doing this I'd put it in pvc and use the Marine wire just because it will be easier to manipulate at the connection points than some reg THHN wire

 

[Bob Sander]

There is no law as far as I know that says you have to and there are certainly lots of people running open cables right on the floor of the boat, but if you are going to make the cables permanent and run them in places you can't see or inspect then it might not be a bad idea.

If I was going to run them open though then I would probably be more inclined to shift gears to something a little heavier like welding cable. That's just me though.

 

[davidmbv]

Thanks. I’ll probably look into a flexible conduit or PVC. I appreciate the responses