Thread: TM wiring, is my layout okay?

Hey all,

I browsed through the last several pages and found a few threads similar to my project, but I wanted to throw out a pic of my planning for you guys to make suggestions and/or corrections.

I'll be putting a 12v, 45lb Motorguide Xi3 w/GPS on the bow of my 13ft kayak. Per the manual, looks like it's 10 gauge wire from the motor, and I think I'll use about 3ft of that. Also, per the manual, they say not to extend the 10 gauge wire "more than 6ft for a total of 10ft," and to use 8 gauge beyond that. So I read thru the online manual (don't have the TM yet), and didn't see an output amperage on the motor, but that 50 or 60 amp circuit breakers are recommended.

Here's what I'm planning for now:

From > To...
- TM 10ga ~3ft >
- Marinco 70amp plug/receptacle >
- 6 gauge wire (~8 ft?) >
- 60amp waterproof CB >
- 8ga quick connect >
- 8ga wire to battery (12v, 105ah)

Questions:

1. Is 6ga overkill for that ~8ft run? Would 8ga be okay?
2. Does the CB position/location in the loop matter?
3. 10ga to 6ga to 8ga...any issues with multiple sizes?
4. Is that 70amp plug/receptacle overkill, and would the 40amp (less expensive) one be sufficient?

Thanks in advance!