couple questions about installing my terrova i-pilot

Hey guys, finnally saved up enough money to buy my Terrova 80lb with i-pilot 60" shaft. I'm working on installing this beast now and cant wait to get out fishing with it. I want to rig this up the right way.
it was suggested to me that I run 6 gauge wire. Seems quite large since the wire going to the motor is 10 gauge. Batteries are going mid-ship so I will have a 9 or 10' run of wire at most. you guys think I should go with 6 gauge also?
I'm trying to decide how to do this. should I buy a good Marinco plug and recepticle or what if I simply hardwire the trolling motor to the cable and did without the plug? this would make my cable run about 5 feet. My cable run is very easy access and could be disconnected from the battery and pulled out with the motor if needed. I have a plug on the boat now but it has 8 or maybe 10 gauge wire to attach to so I'm not sure if I should use this. I have the Minnkota 60 amp breaker coming in the mail that will be used in this setup also.
As hard as it is to reach the mounting bolts, I will most likely just leave the motor mounted and garged over winter or am I suppose to store this motor indoors? If I need to take it on and off maybe I should look into getting one of those removable mounts. some of the summer it will be on the boat under a good cover outside at times.
Do you guys think that I should get a ram mount stabilizer thing or something similar to support the head of the motor when in transport?
I'm going round and round in my head how I want to do this.. could use some suggestions. would like to figure out my plan today so I can order any other parts I may need.

thanks for the help.

Fatter wire is always better--if in doubt go up a size or two! All DC wiring causes voltage drop from the battery to the load. Short, fat wires are best and long skinny ones are worst. When you're connecting two pieces of wire and one (the TM's power cable in this case) is smaller than you'd like, that doesn't mean you have to stick with small wire for the second section. Every inch of wire between the battery and your TM cable adds resistance & that drains away precious voltage.

I can't speak to the desirability of dismounting your TM for indoor winter storage. Here in VA, my motor stays mounted all the time and I fish whenever the lakes aren't frozen. The motor seems no worse for the wear. My only problem was a day when moisture had frozen the motor in place & I couldn't deploy it until the sun melted the ice.

A 60" shaft creates a lot of leverage. Rather than temp fate, I nailed a couple of lumber scraps into a T-brace & use a bungee cord to hold the motor & brace down to the deck.

Tomorrow will be my Terrova's 169th trip (80#, 24v, iP.) It has been to the repair shop 0 times and is still using the original prop, pin, washer, and nut. Nevertheless, I carry replacements for these things. The props are tough, but mine's never had a run-in with rocks or anything else that's tougher than a stump. I'm at greater risk of dropping parts overboard when removing line wrapped around the shaft (avg. once per trip), and recommend that you carry a wrench that will easily remove the prop nut on the water. The only thing I've worn out is the rubber cover on the iP remote (it's now on #4 or #5 ), but the warranty has paid for all replacements.

Enjoy your new motor!

Think I got it all figured out. I finally found a plug and receptical that is exactly like I wanted - Power Connect Battery Connector Set - Black - Marine - Batterytender.com
So I ordered this and 6AWG wire with the ends I need installed from GenuineDealz.com - Marine Electrical, Boat Wire & Cable, Custom Battery Cables
I'm skipping the quick disconnect motor mount and just putting it right on the boat. Heading to the garage now to work on it. Found out my son fits inside the front hatch to put the nuts on and hold them with a wrench =)

hey, there are benefits to having kids around huh. LOL glad you have it figured out. Hope you enjoy it.

You wont be sorry. I went with the origiinal wiring on mine which I now have to change out because it was blowing fuses and getting the wires hot in heavy current or windy conditions. I would also recommend a 50 amp circuit breaker.