Trolling Motor Complete Wiring Guide

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In this video I go detail the process to select the proper wiring size/gauge, connectors and circuit breaker to properly and safely wire a trolling motor. The trolling motor I am working with in this video is a Minn Kota Terrova 12v 55lb thrust with I-pilot however the process is sound for all types and models of trolling motors. See below for the specific products used in this video and drop a line in the comments if you found this helpful. Thank you for watching!
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---Product Links*------
Wire Strippers - amzn.to/4eINWOl
*Ratcheting Wire Crimper - amzn.to/4ctdqxp
Trolling Motor Circuit Breaker - amzn.to/3Aj4ARD
Quick Disconnect Plug Kit - amzn.to/3LhRH0m
6AWG Ring Connectors - amzn.to/3mUjGtF
Hot Air Station - amzn.to/3LixaZq
6 AWG Wire - amzn.to/3LeCQUw
*Useful for crimping the 6awg ring connectors
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*Orders through the Amazon affiliate links above provide us with a small referral commission at no cost to you. Using affiliate links in no way affects our opinions expressed on this channel and merely serve as a method to help this channel grow while still providing useful, relevant information. ------------
#jonboat #boating #wiring

[@mvboutdoors]

Here's everything you need: Wire Strippers - amzn.to/4eINWOl Ratcheting Wire Crimper - amzn.to/4ctdqxp Trolling Motor Circuit Breaker - amzn.to/3Aj4ARD Quick Disconnect Plug Kit - amzn.to/3LhRH0m 6AWG Ring Connectors - amzn.to/3mUjGtF Hot Air Station - amzn.to/3LixaZq 6 AWG Wire - amzn.to/3LeCQUw

[@ryanharrod1155]

Some people say tinned copper is better ?

[@mvboutdoors]

@@ryanharrod1155 tinned copper has better corrosion resistance that's true, for fresh water it's not as important.

[@rhettquinn7788]

Are the ring connectors the ones you used in the video or the size down, to fit better?

[@MrWillwright94]

I'm a new boat owner and have had a trolling motor sitting in storage because I've been struggling to understand how to safely install it. Thank you for adding links to the products here. Super helpful.

[@mvboutdoors]

Happy to help! Good luck with your install.

[@joshdeberry7769]

First, let me start by saying I subscribed to your channel because I enjoy your videos. Please keep making them. That being said, I was so excited to get started wiring my battery to my trolling motor using this tutorial. I’m going on a trip with my wife and kids tomorrow where I was planning to go out on a lake and to use my new trolling motor for the first time. I ordered the strippers using the link you provided in your description. I just got them today and I’m sitting here about to get started and I realized these are not the same strippers you are using. These strippers you linked to have a wire cutter in the place that yours have crimpers. So now I have no way to crimp my ring terminals or my quick connectors. I’m screwed. No trolling motor on the lake tomorrow. How disappointing 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@mvboutdoors]

Ahhh shoot man, my apologies -- I've updated the link. When the wire stripper I used went out of stock I looked for a similar one but missed it didn't have the crimp section. For your trip, you can use a pair of pliers in place of crimpers to get you by.

[@joshdeberry7769]

Thank you! Such a quick response! I hate to say it, but ones in the new link are only rated for wires up to size 10. Not 6 or 8. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@joshdeberry7769]

Btw I love your videos. So so very helpful. And at the same time, entertaining and easy to watch. You’re doing a great job. Thanks for sharing with the world.

[@mvboutdoors]

@@joshdeberry7769 I appreciate that, I'm really glad people find the videos useful! The crimpers I have aren't rated for 6 or 8 either, I believe for under 10 awg the correct tool is a ratcheting crimper like this amzn.to/4ctdqxp -- I was able to make it work though, you just need a pretty strong grip to get enough pressure. This is good information though, I'm going to update the tool list to make it easier.

[@anglersnw]

Useful Information - Thank You

[@bdbdwd]

Had a quick connect short out and completely melt the connector .Damn 60 amp breaker never tripped ! Tripped it manually , thought boat was going up in flames !

[@api9714]

What size wire was coming off of the motor that you crimped the 6 AWG wire to? thx

[@markweatherall7437]

Hey, my 68Ib Trolling motor has 8AWG cable standard from the factory and my auto electrical engineer has informed me that using 8AWG cable for the breaker is absolutely fine.

[@rexz641]

New boater here, would I need a kill switch, I have a jon boat and just got a 45lb trolling motor

[@rexz641]

Also my trolling motor is 45 lb w 10awg wire would I need to use 10awg or still 6 as the diagram shows ?

[@malcolmzoll7613]

Great job 👍

[@mvboutdoors]

Thanks bud!

[@jamesseed1752]

New subscriber here, happy I found your channel. Lots of great tips and everything ends up very professional looking, can't wait to see the boat all finished!

[@NevadaScrubJay]

Excellent video... Thanks... I watched this because I am in the processes of doing a Sun Dolphin Pond Prowler with an older 45 lb Minn Kota Traxxis motor. My thought was that my 50 amp circuit breaker was my kill switch? Any reason to have a different one? Also, the Pond Prowler runs preinstalled battery wires from aft to the bow trolling motor mount. This distance is not much more that 6 feet. With slack on both sides, lets call it 10ft. The shorter the distance the lower the needed gauge. But, the gauge is much smaller than the gauge on the Minn Kota which seems huge. Still, these pre-installed wires are as large as my garage extension cords which have carried 30+ amps as much as 50 feet. Others on KZbin have re-run heavier gauge wires. Sun Dolphin Mfg must figure on use as high as 65 lbs trolling mtrs with their boats. So, what me worry??? Thoughts???

[@mvboutdoors]

I would only recommend using wiring gauge that matches the Minn Kona recommended, it's likely for running higher amperages for extended amounts of time. You could use your circuit breaker as a kill switch, I have other electronics running off that same kill switch.

[@anotherjimmylee]

1st time wiring a boat. Lots of helpful info, thanks. Can i use a 60 amp circuit breaker for 36 lb thrust when a 40 amp is recommended? I already have the 60 amp. Also will it be okay running 16 ft of 8 awg or do i need 6 awg?

[@dean7416]

@@anotherjimmylee I would go with what is recommended for the circuit breaker. As for the wire, you’ll be fine with the 8AWG.

[@mvboutdoors]

A larger circuit breaker would allow more amps to run through the wires before tripping. If a 36lb is pulling 60amps it's having a real problem that you'd want stopped at 40amps. At 16ft 6awg would be preferred, the purpose of the larger wire is for less electrical resistance, which means less heat. The risk of using a thinner wire is fire.

[@anotherjimmylee]

@mvboutdoors i ended up putting the battery in the back, utilizing the factory wiring without needed to extend the wiring. The trolling motor had a 40 amp breaker built into the factory wiring too. Thanks.

[@dadisfishing]

Great video thanks ! Quick question, the link to the quick connector is a 8awg but your cables are 6awg is it normal ?

[@mvboutdoors]

The link for me pulls up the 6awg version but you can select the size that matches your wire.

[@terryerdmann7159]

did I miss where and how you installed the Main Shut off Switch from the battery? I saw it later--but did you show how to instal it?

[@mvboutdoors]

That was done in a different video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXKthpVpidpqr9k

[@fonylol303]

Does the positive goes to the positive on the breaker?

[@mvboutdoors]

The breaker go in-line on your positive cable to the battery and the trolling motor.

[@rugerdogg5316]

I have a 12 volt 30 lb thrust trolling motor for now at the front of my boat can I run it off of a 6awg wire from the battery in the back of the boat roughly 15' or does it need to be wired closer to the battery. I have heard 30 lb troller have to be clipped to the battery with wires supplied with the trolling motor

[@mvboutdoors]

For a 30lb I think you'd be fine running 6awg at that distance. You can always extend the wires as long as you use sufficient gauge wire.

[@MrSteve280]

I understand how you set up the Anderson plug but I'm not clear why. Specifically, why you can't just run the cables directly from the battery to the motor with the breaker alone on the positive. What's the benefit of doing a quick disconnect? I'm pretty ignorant regarding wiring so I just want to make sure I understand and not to assume anything. Also, could you explain the benefit of the kill switch? FYI, I'll be wiring a kayak. Thanks.

[@mvboutdoors]

The main reason was for an easy way to connect to higher gauge wire and the option to quickly disconnect.

[@riverpirate1022]

You should use quick disconnect wires on your VERY expensive trolling motor if you boat is ever parked outside or anywhere not totally safe so you can easily remove the trolling motor and take it in the house or put it in the truck or somewhere else. Trolling motors get stolen a lot, don't be a victim.

[@rolltidech]

Did you jump the batteries to get 24 volts??

[@mvboutdoors]

I used a 12v system so that wasn't necessary. I also wouldnt recommend it if one of the batteries is a starting battery.

[@Idreamoutdoors]

I have the same length boat as you and trolling motor…I just bought 4awg I was too nervous to do what you did and use the 6awg. Especially with a 60 amp fuse when the max for our motors is 50a

[@mvboutdoors]

I went by the specs Minn Kota provides for wiring. They list a 60a fuse for 50-55lb motor and 6awg for 10ft extension to the trolling motor leads. Depending on battery location a 4awg would definitely be a valid and safe choice regardless.

[@Idreamoutdoors]

@@mvboutdoors agreed. I know, you did it correctly. Mine is a 16ft tracker bass boat. my trolling motor is also mounted at the bow and battery in the back. Like I said I was too nervous to go with 6awg. I felt like 10 ft was pushing it. Lol I always air on the side of caution.

[@mvboutdoors]

@@Idreamoutdoors I considered 4awg also, now you'll never have to worry -- I suppose when it comes to electrical fires caution is probably the smart move! 👍

[@abbykako]

@@mvboutdoorshow’s is the 6guage working out so far? I have to add an additional 13ft to my setup. I’m contemplating on 6 or 4 gauge.

[@abbykako]

Did you connect them using Anderson connections? I’m thinking of going with 4guage myself?

[@GregoryStrasser]

can you use jumper cable wire?, going fishing this weekend and dont have time to wait on amazon

[@mvboutdoors]

It would depend on the gauge of the cable and the distance you need to run. In general i'd say probably.

[@joshdeberry7769]

You have to be careful and make sure it’s pure copper. Most jumper cables are made with cheap CCA (copper coated aluminum) which has a much lower rating in the same size cable. In order to get the same rating out of aluminum you have to go way up in size because aluminum doesn’t conduct as well as copper.

[@danielcoronel5960]

My trolling motor to my battery is about 8 feet it’s a Minn kota 70lb thrust it calls for 8awg but I have 6awg already wired will anything happen or can I leave the 6awg? TIA

[@danielcoronel5960]

Sorry it’s about 10feet with some slack on each end

[@mvboutdoors]

Well 6AWG is thicker cable, you won't run into any trouble going thicker. It's if you use cable that's too thin where you can have problems.

[@danielcoronel5960]

@@mvboutdoors okay perfect thank you so much sir. This really helped me I’m going to put it all together tommorow !

[@RobertUrso]

Hello there. I am running a new #4 wire in my 16 ft boat for my trolling motor. I'm wondering how to connect the #4 wire to the foot pedal. The foot pedal has #10 wire connected with spade connectors. Is it ok to just splice the #10 to the #4. I don't want the #10 to burn up. Thank you.

[@mvboutdoors]

The 10 will be fine, you can a #4 wire connector the kind that are brass blocks with screws and heat shrink

[@RobertUrso]

@@mvboutdoors perfect. Thank you so much.

[@ThirstyQLD]

Hi I am just curious to see if you used a higher rated Anderson plug because the standard size is 50amps and your breaker is 60amps meaning the Anderson plug would melt and fail before the breaker trips. I think the next size up is 120amp.

[@NytronX]

Blue Seas makes a breaker that has a built in switch.

[@mvboutdoors]

Very cool, I'll have to check that out.

[@NytronX]

@@mvboutdoors As an example, picked up a Blue Sea Systems 7183 breaker for my Lowrance Ghost trolling motor.

[@randallkeefauver6573]

I am a bit nervous about all those hot connections next to a gas tank!

[@mvboutdoors]

Vent vent vent, always make sure you have proper ventilation anywhere gas is stored and you're good.

[@VAFSH4LIF]

Yeah personally I'm not sure I would have them that close to each other either? He's correct about ventilation I would just try to get them a bit farther apart? A battery box would keep any arching inside.

[@riverpirate1022]

You really should be soldering those connectors on. Crimping is really not enough for a good connection at that amp draw.

[@jameskilcommons5337]

Hi, I have 80lb. Minn Kota fortrex bow mount. I have 60 amp circuit breaker on one the batteries do I need another circuit breaker for other battery? The reason I was asking, I also have a onboard dual battery charger that recently stop charting battery #2 Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated Jim

[@mvboutdoors]

The way I have my batteries setup is a battery charger on Battery #2 which my trolling motor is hooked up to and the circut breaker, then I have it tied to battery #1 using an Isolator that bleeds over charge once the battery hits 80-90% until they are both charged up.

[@jobsearch5871]

what model batteries are you using if you dont mind? I assume this is on a jon boat. Also what run time are you getting from your batteries. i ask because going by the minn kota web site I need 185 reserve capacity and 100 ah to get full speed for 1.75 hrs . This also weighs about 120 lbs in batteries.

[@operatoreng]

If the batteries are wired in series which is recommended from minn kota then you should only need one circuit breaker on your power wire coming from the battery while the negative gets connected to the other batteries negative and the series wire would be connected to one battery positive and opposite battery negative. Also the battery charger should only charge one battery if it's connected to zone 1 battery 1, zone 2 battery 2. I haven't ran into issues with my onboard charger and that is how it was ran.

[@scorty9318]

Over kill my dude! Less is more in a sense... in my experience and most will agree that plug style connector likes to melt.but it is only 12 volts which definitely helps, definitely need to eliminate that ..i mean its a open ! Also that shutoff switch has a track record of leaving people high and dry. a simple 60 amp circuit breaker or inline fuse is more than surfic. Positive and negative from the battery - inline spade style 60 amp fuse,u) straight up front to Porter style socket

[@stevemorelli5265]

Why not use a plug in at the trolling motor.

[@mvboutdoors]

Wire gauge

[@jonathanwombles5004]

You work on boats

[@johnnychance8755]

Seth Rogan