4 AWG Trolling Motor Plug/Receptacle?

[BoatNoobie]

On my boat, I assume the dealer or maybe the manufacturer ran 8AWG wires from the back of the boat, to the front for the trolling motor. The boat is 16'5".

So we're looking at about ~36' round trip for the power cables. I'm getting voltage drop. When I do the battery test on the Minn Kota trolling motor, it shows my battery is only 75% charged.

Now from my research, it should be using 4 AWG for this length of a run, but the best I'm finding is plugs/receptacles for 6AWG.

Or is 6AWG good enough? I kinda want to future proof my wires incase I go with a bigger trolling motor.

 

[roncoop75]

Re: 4 AWG Trolling Motor Plug/Receptacle?

I've got sort of the same problem. I'd like to have a quick disconnect for the battery for my boat.

I used to do battery testing for comm sites. The load tester was good for about 400 amps. A 200 amp discharge current was fairly common. The battery tester had Anderson power connectors on it. Not sure of the ga. but it was way bigger than 4 ga.

If you google Anderson power connectors you'll see what I'm talking about.

All that being said, I'm curious if anyone else has a more "marine oriented" way of getting this done. The Anderson connectors are far from water resistant...

 

[RicMic]

Re: 4 AWG Trolling Motor Plug/Receptacle?

All wire is not created equal, the more strands the better and the better the connections the better. You will far more resistance from one oxidized connection than from 30' of quality wire.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 4 AWG Trolling Motor Plug/Receptacle?

How big of a trolling motor are you running? All of the Trolling motor literature I have read says to run 6AWG for a bigger TM, 8AWG for the smaller TM's. I used this calculator when I installed a 72# 24V TM on my 18'er. I overestimated and it called for 8AWG, I used 6AWG just to be safe and to lower voltage drop.

http://beta.circuitwizard.bluesea.com/

If you are getting voltage drop I would make sure all the connections are clean and tight,,, then look to replace the wiring. If the wire needs to be replaced, look at Genuinedealz.com as they have very good prices on marine grade wire and will have it to you in 2-3 days.

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: 4 AWG Trolling Motor Plug/Receptacle?

It's a Minn Kota PowerDrive.

I dont know exactly which model it is. It came with the boat. I dont see anything in the manual.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 4 AWG Trolling Motor Plug/Receptacle?

If you are using the built in test on the motor to determne voltage drop that is not a very accurate test. Use a decent volt meter and measure voltage at the receptacle. 6 AWG wire will be fine for that motor. 8 AWG over that distance would not be adequate.

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: 4 AWG Trolling Motor Plug/Receptacle?

If you are using the built in test on the motor to determne voltage drop that is not a very accurate test. Use a decent volt meter and measure voltage at the receptacle. 6 AWG wire will be fine for that motor. 8 AWG over that distance would not be adequate.

I never noticed, but on the motor head, it does say 55. So I guess it's the 55# thrust model.

Yeah, I may just use 6 AWG since it's more convenient.

 

[RonR]

Re: 4 AWG Trolling Motor Plug/Receptacle?

A number 8 copper wire is good for 40 amps. #6 mabye 55 amps depending on the type of infulation that covers the wire. In order to determin if you are getting a large voltage drop.
you need to check the voltage at the battery, then at the motor for the same speed.
You need a DC volt meter for this test. You may have to remove the receptical and let it hang in free space to test the voltage. it is necessary to do this test while the motor is running under load. You could do the test using a large plastic barrel of water. the safely reconnect your wiring.
I have 18 Crestliner (similar to a tracker) I also use a minkota trolling motor 80# thrust
24 volts. At a slow trol I am only pulling about 20 amps.
If you go to the number 4 wire make sure you can stick all of the wire into terminal of you new socket. If you have to cut wire away to make it fit, don't buy that wire.
Also, a good rule of thumb, is run you wihile in the water 10 to 15 minutes and check the plug and wire with you hand, it should not be hot not even warm, unless it is a hot day.
RR

 

[sasto]

Re: 4 AWG Trolling Motor Plug/Receptacle?

I've got sort of the same problem. I'd like to have a quick disconnect for the battery for my boat.

A shore power connector should work for you just fine. Good Luck!