Longer battery cables on trolling motor

[sidechoke67]

I have a 12V Minn Kota 55# transom mount trolling motor, and would like the battery cables to be about 2 feet longer. Anyone have any ideas on the easiest way to do this? I've been looking for extension wire for trolling motors, but haven't come across any...

Thanks for any help.

 

[rndn]

Re: Longer battery cables on trolling motor

You need to do a good splice for the extra wire.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Longer battery cables on trolling motor

If you do not want to do it yourself you can have new ones made or your old ones extended. Around here the local hardware store can do it. They even have marine grade cable. Get in the book and look around. I am sure there are places all over NY that can do it for you.
Avoid splicing the wire by stripping the insulation and tying two cables together with black tape. At very least this will reduce battery efficiency and kill your batteries sooner. At worst it will cause a fire.
If you are going to splice them, use the proper cable, butt connectors, crimp, solder and heat shrink. Don't shade-tree it. It can be dangerous.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Longer battery cables on trolling motor

At a minimum, get yourself some good quality copper strand wire of the proper gauge, a couple butt connectors, a couple ring terminals and a good quality crimping tool. Marine-grade tinned wiring is prefered, but in freshwater use you can get away with automotive.