36 volt trolling motor wiring

[Mike S.]

I recently replaced my Maxxum 101 with a new Fortrex 101. I bought the 60 amp breaker for it, and installed it in line according to the diagram that came with it.  I also noticed that there were breakers in line between the batteries. Not sure of their amp rating, but doesn't really matter.

I was on Fremont last week, and it was really windy. Put it on high power, went 100 feet or so, and the motor stopped. Well, no brainer, the old breakers popped. So, it is time to rewire my batteries.

The existing wire is 10 gauge. There is more than enough between two of the batteries to cut it and put new ends on to make two wires for the batteries. I did this today.

My main concern is whether or not the 10 gauge wire is enough for the amperage the Fortrex draws. Obviously it is more than the Maxxum. Should I go to an 8 gauge or even a 6 gauge wire?

[Redbone]

I believe 6 gage is recommended.  Realistically though, I cant imagine 10 gage not being suffice.

[djkimmel]

Coming from a history of tournaments on the big water and rivers like St. Clair and Detroit in the wind and current, and liking to spot fish, I will always recommend 6-guage wire. If you have to run the motor on high power for any length of time you will build up a lot of heat and might be more likely to melt your plug or another connector. When it comes to bass boats and tournaments, you want excess, not straining to meet demand.

I was even glad having the additional power and handling when I would do things like cruise on high bypass all day looking for beds on big rock and sand flats up north. No such thing as too much power!

[Mike S.]

The positive and negative cables that go up front to the plug are 6 gauge. The small wires run between the three batteries are 10 gauge. I am going to change it tomorrow. Then I will have no worries.

[djkimmel]

Ah... thanks for the clarification. Wasn't sure if that is what you meant or not. I assumed. I think I only have 10-guage on my jumpers too. Real short like that should be okay as the smarter Redbone already pointed out.

But... if you're changing them anyway...