Thread: Wire Size Needed

What size wire is needed to connect a trolling motor to a battery and what size to connect a depth finder?

i like to use 6gauge thhn for the trolling motor but 8 should work in most cases. when you use your trolling motor a lot the wire tends to get hot by going to 6 gauge you should not have any problems. larger wire doesnt get as hot as easily. for electronics i use 18 gauge. be sure to put in a fuse link to protect your unit. good luck and good fishing.

Its according to what type/size of trolling motor you are using. For instance, the Minn Kota Power Drive V2 recommends 6 gauge....Other manufacturers may get by with a smaller wire but 6 gauge will be a safe way to go no matter what motor you are going with.

I have some 10 home wire, if I double it, should that work?

Originally Posted by newblade

I have some 10 home wire, if I double it, should that work?

It will work but if its solid core like romex, it will eventually break. Marine wire, although much more expensive, is much better. They use smaller strands to make it more flexible and it's tinned to fight corrosion.

Yep, 6 if you have a choice. Marine Tinned. You can get away with 8 if it's a boat shorter than 18ft and your TM is no more than 24V, but the difference in price is not enough to take that gamble.

Skip the house wire. You're asking for a bigger head ache than you really want. It'll work and probably will work for quite some time, but sooner or later it'll bite you in the rear just when you don't want it to.

Wannabe...

And if we're talking 12V and you know you'll never ever switch to 24V, the 8 will be fine.

I agree with 6 for TM, it won't cost much more. 18 for electronics.