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! :cheers2

Attachment 379312

Circuit breaker needs to be close to the battery,,,very close not 3 ft. 8 ga wire will be ok...but 6 guage would be even better. Dont know why you want the quick disconnect...You can unplug your TM at the front of the boat.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by "G"

Circuit breaker needs to be close to the battery,,,very close not 3 ft. 8 ga wire will be ok...but 6 guage would be even better. Dont know why you want the quick disconnect...You can unplug your TM at the front of the boat.

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G, thanks for the reply! I'll pickup some 6 gauge wire for the long, in-hull section. I think I'll look at 6ga connectors/wire as well for that last 3ft stretch to the battery as well then.

To answer your questions/comments:

1. Okay, I'll put the CB in close to the battery for sure;
2. The trolling motor gets its own plug up front so I can take it off the kayak for transport;
3. The battery will get its own quick connect in back so I can take it out of the kayak for transport and charging (I plan to run the wiring thru the hull) and out through a rear access plate.

Someday, after the Missus forgets how much I spent on doing this (lol), I'll plan to order up a lightweight lithium battery. But, for now, will have to go with a heavy LA battery.

I know it's overkill.....but that's how I tend to do things....especially on electrical

Quote:

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Originally Posted by "G"

I know it's overkill.....but that's how I tend to do things....especially on electrical

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As much as I'm spending on this whole venture, a few extra bucks to make sure something doesn't heat up and fry isn't a bad thing. Thanks!