Thread: What gauge wire?

Each finder draws a different amount of current, but having said that none of them draw a large current, wire as small as 18 gauge should power a finder for about 25 feet without issue. I'd probably go with 16 or 14, anything larger than 14 guage is massive overkill for a single finder. In my opinion it's just as improtant to get a good qualty wire with an insulator that will last the rigors of marine usage without rotting and peeling off.

Since you are installing new wire run 18 gauge twisted pair (red/black). This will help stop EMF. http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...erference.html

Thanks for the info, guys. Is 18 gauge twisted pair available in most hardware stores.....or should I look in marine wiring? I'm all for cutting down interference. I've really had a problem with that trying to run a Minn Kota Terrova and a Humminbird unit.

If you can't find any make your own. At least that is what I do. Take a spool of red and black and unspool them side by side. Tie them together at each end. Loop one end over something to hold it. Make a hook out of a piece of coat hanger and put it in a drill (I use a cordless). Now hook the wire to the hook you made and while pulling the wire tight turn the drill on and let it twist. The more twists you put in it the better. Just be sure to start with plenty of wire because the more you twist the shorter it will get.

If your going front to back , I just replaced mine cause of voltage drop. I used a 2 wire 14ga. extension cord. I dont think its overkill at all.

Whatever ya got lying around will do. I had a good length of insulated 7 strand I ran. Individual wires are size of speaker wire. It's real stiff which aids in pushing it through without a snake. Then ya peel back and use two of the wires. This way you have several additional wires for any future accessories you may want to add.