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Getting read to install Terrova 80 lb thrust. The boat is already wired for the motor, however I am converting from 12 volt to 24 and have to connect the 2 batteries together. Do you guys recommended buying the wire from any certain place? Should I buy the ready to connect ones like Cabelas sells or just buy the wire and connectors separate and do it myself? Just seeing what everyone does and where you buys your wire and connectors? Thanks
Go to auto parts place and buy a battery cable already made up with the ring eyes on each end. Be plenty big enough and a lot cheaper.
Great idea
Don't forget to put a breaker/fuse between your positive lead and the battery!
Since your motor was wire for 12 volts,make sure the wiring will handle 24 volts. Will need a 60 amp breaker.
LittleJohn
Thanks John, I've currently got 8 guage wire ran. I did pick up a 60 amp breaker. According to Minn Kota's specs on the length of wire I have ran, 8 guage should be sufficient. I know some guys swear by running 6 guage and I see the argument but VERY rarely will I ever be running over 75%. I'll see how the 8 guage holds up.
Or go to Wal-mart & look in the auto dept and get the shortest one they have ... probably cheaper than an auto parts store :donoQuote:
Originally Posted by Cray
Then again ... getting the wire and end caps & fashioning one yourself might be even better, since you can make it to fit with very little extra length. Most of the ones on the shelf, that I've seen (Wal-mart) are like 19" long (shortest length). And they were advertised as "lawn/garden" battery cables.
Or maybe check Lowe's or Home Depot in their Lawn/Garden depts ??
Smallest gauge wire on the ones I saw at Wal-mart were 6ga. (FYI)
I recently rewired my entire boat. I Have the terrova 80/24 . I used Gregs Marine Wire for all Wire /terminals . They can be easily goggled for more info. Excellent customers service. They will custom make to your specs, or you can build yourself. I wasn't looking for "cheap" though like some of the others have stated. I wanted a top quality product , and that's what I got. Doesn't make sense to spend over $2000.00 on motor , then go to Walmart and buy Wire. Just saying !!
I had bestboatwire.com build all of my cables. They built to your specs/ Colors, terminal ends shrink wrap etc and it was very reasonable.
I definitely see your point on spending that much money and going cheap on wiring! However I'm guilty, lol. I went to Walmart Pappy and got the premade wire just as you described.
Good to know next time! Ill definitely look into that! Thanks
I am sure you are done with this by now, but for future reference if anyone searches this topic.
You actually need 2 pre-made ones from walmart. One from pos to neg on the batteries and one for other pos to 60 amp circuit breaker. Then run your existing trolling motor wires from the breaker.
If going from 12 to 24 volts your wiring (if correct the first time it was installed) will always be heavy enough, as 24 volts will reduce the current so 10 gauge is good in most cases for 24 volt systems.