Trolling Motor Cables get HOT!

[CPG]

I just replaced two deep cycle batteries on my trolling motor. When I ran it at full speed on the lake this last weekend, the cables got VERY HOT. At slower speeds it did not occur. The cables are (6 Gauge / SAE). I was under the impression that 6 gauge was plenty big to handle a 24V / 67 lb trolling motor? Where should I go from here? Thanks in advance.

Charlie P

 

[drewpster]

Re: Trolling Motor Cables get HOT!

First impressions lead me to believe you need bigger cables. Given that the cables you have are only getting hot at full speed it seems the size (gauge) you have are just on the edge of too small.
Be sure to check all your connections closely just to be sure, but if it were mine I would go with 4ga. or even 2.
BTW- If the trolling motor recommended 6ga. they more than likely based that recommendation on ideal conditions (intermittent low speed use). If you plan to do many high speed passes, especially with new, hot batteries, go with a larger gauge cable.

 

[JB]

Re: Trolling Motor Cables get HOT!

How long are the cables, batteries to troller, CPG?

#6AWG should be adequate unless they are longer than about 6', then you might think about #4AWG or even bigger for most, if not all, of the run.

If the cables are getting hot you are wasting power to make them hot.

 

[CPG]

Re: Trolling Motor Cables get HOT!

I appreciate the responses. The cables are quite short as the batteries are in the front compartment almost directly beneath the trolling motor. Would this lead one to believe that maybe I have issues with the connections?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Cables get HOT!

Loose connections = resistance. Resistance builds heat. Heat is wasted energy. If you think they are loose or corroded, disconnect, clean and reconnect them. And if you have wing nuts on the battery toss them in the trash and use stainless nuts with internal or external tooth (star) washers to provide solid connections. Finger tight doesn't cut it with high current loads. Use a wrench.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Trolling Motor Cables get HOT!

a dragging motor will draw more amps, check for fishing line on the propshaft. Do you have a circuit breaker on the line?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trolling Motor Cables get HOT!

Is the entire length of the cable getting hot or just the connections themselves?

I would make some voltage measurements across the cables and the conenctions while you are running at high speed to to see where the most drop is occuring.