Likes Likes:  0
Thanks Thanks:  0
HaHa HaHa:  0
Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Connecting #6 wire to #10 on trolling motor?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Gibsonville NC
    Posts
    236
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default Connecting #6 wire to #10 on trolling motor?


    Putting this on a boat that didn't have a TM. TM instructions say to run #6 wire. Got the TM out of the box and it has #10 leads. I need to splice the two together so I ordered a connector from Cabelas. It's a connector similar to what you might see on a golf cart or forklift, not a plug and receptacle that mounts permanently. It also has little connectors inside it that have to be soldered on the wires.

    Here's my question: The plugs/receptacles I've looked at have small wiring, no bigger than #10 on them. Can I use something that small in line with the #6 coming from the batteries? If so, how do you make the connections? Butt connectors aren't big enough. Maybe get the splice kits with set screws from Lowe's etc? I have a 60A circuit breaker and it seems like you wouldn't want to splice #10 wire into a circuit protected by a 60A CB.

    The reason I don't make a permanent splice is my I-pilot book says you have to unplug the TM when not in use or it drains the battery. I need something I can disconnect easily.

    Got any thoughts on this?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Broaddus,TX.
    Posts
    1,101
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default Get connector plug

    Quote Originally Posted by MCF View Post
    Putting this on a boat that didn't have a TM. TM instructions say to run #6 wire. Got the TM out of the box and it has #10 leads. I need to splice the two together so I ordered a connector from Cabelas. It's a connector similar to what you might see on a golf cart or forklift, not a plug and receptacle that mounts permanently. It also has little connectors inside it that have to be soldered on the wires.

    Here's my question: The plugs/receptacles I've looked at have small wiring, no bigger than #10 on them. Can I use something that small in line with the #6 coming from the batteries? If so, how do you make the connections? Butt connectors aren't big enough. Maybe get the splice kits with set screws from Lowe's etc? I have a 60A circuit breaker and it seems like you wouldn't want to splice #10 wire into a circuit protected by a 60A CB.

    The reason I don't make a permanent splice is my I-pilot book says you have to unplug the TM when not in use or it drains the battery. I need something I can disconnect easily.

    Got any thoughts on this?
    Run your #6 wire from your battery's to the front of the boat to a regular 3 prong trolling motor recepticle that has a three prong plug that sicks in and turns that is connected to your trolling motor leads. They are between 25 and 30 bucks for the plug and recepticle and they have directions for the proper wiring. These can be found at boat repair shops or online from Bass Pro. Good luck, Ferdi aka Fred

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Wagontown, PA
    Posts
    2,233
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I like those flat connectors similar to what's used on forklifts. NAPA sells them in different sizes. Personally I think they are a much better connection than the plug styles sold for trolling motors. Different size wires on each side isn't a problem, because you just fill the socket with solder. Unfortunately on the battery side, you have a loose set of wires, not a nice bulkhead plug.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Alabama
    Posts
    6,277
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by uvwx371 View Post
    A man tried to get a job in a stage show. "What can you do?" asked the producer. "Imitate birds," the man said. "Are you kidding?" answered the producer, "People like that are a dime a dozen." "Well, I guess that's that." said the actor, as he spread his arms and flew out the window.------------------buy BURBERRY scarf wool scarf scarf
    uvwx371, What are you smoking man?

    BamaMan

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    North Central Iowa
    Posts
    707
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    This is what I use on my boat.

    Cabela's -- Marinco Trolling Motor Plugs

    It works very well at changing the wire diameters. The female side will take up to 6 ga. The male side will take the wires from the motor just fine.
    Lund Rebel XL 1625 Merc 60 4 stroke
    Yamaha T8 Lowrance HDS 5
    Minn Kota 70lb I Pilot 60"


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Guin, Alabama
    Posts
    4,696
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BamaMan View Post
    uvwx371, What are you smoking man?
    I been thinking about this post all day. It's got to be better than smoke
    Alan
    ------------------
    Tight Lines to all
    Roll Tide Roll






  7. #7
    Barnacle Bill's Avatar
    Barnacle Bill is offline Super Mod and 2014 Crappie.com Man of the Year * Crappie.com Supporter
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Chesapeake, Va
    Posts
    20,251
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    That Marinco setup is an excellent choice.
    Fair Winds and Following Seas

    Bill H. PTC USN Ret
    Chesapeake, Va


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Gibsonville NC
    Posts
    236
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default Here's what I ended up using

    These worked out fine. I found they had to be soldered on but I borrowed the stuff to do it. Got them from Cabelas for $18 plus shipping.
    Attached Images Attached Images  

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

BACK TO TOP