Terrova 80 - 6 or 8 gauge wire?

[DoubleGobble00]

My boat has 8 gauge wire ran from the transom to the bow (approximately 18 feet). Minn Kota recommends 6 gauge but I can't find it locally. I can order some but it would take a while to get it.

Any Terrova owners running 8 gauge wire? Does it work alright? The max amp rating on the Terrova 80 is 56 amps. Not sure what the normal amp rating of say 50% or 75% would be...

DoubleG

[Fisherman_Wantabe]

MHAO you should be ok. But some here will disagree.

[Corker]

Bigger wire is always better.

[Barnacle Bill]

Using your figures voltage drop is 0.819 VDC which is acceptable. Go fishing and don't worry about it.

[Cane Pole]

Using your figures voltage drop is 0.819 VDC which is acceptable. Go fishing and don't worry about it.

I agree.........

[cobra 7]

if you do have any problem just parallel a #10 or so along side it this will increase the current at max.

[majflyboy]

When these two agree on it, go with it. (Barnacle Bill and Cane Pole)

[DoubleGobble00]

Thanks fellas...

DoubleG

[Wannabe...]

I'm a gonna disagree with 'em to some degree. Since your gonna pull cranks with that Terrova and be pulling a heavy load all day, the voltage drop is gonna cost you in longevity for the day and eventually use up some of the batteries' useful life. I say, order the 6 gauge, but go ahead and install the motor with the 8 and use it. That way you can enjoy it now and save the wire swap for a winter project before it swings back around to crank pulling time again.

Besides, on your boat (G3 1860), it's really not that bad of a project and would be real easy to do with fish tape, but probably could be accomplished with a coat hanger since the closed runs are fairly short.

Wannabe...

["G"]

A voltage drop of 0.819 VDC is not enough to ever notice