Ultrex on 8 gauge wire

[Tommy O.]

Anybody running an Ultrex on 8 gauge wire? The minn Kota chart recommends 8 gauge for 15 feet and 6 gauge for 20 feet. My leads will be right at 18 feet. I tugged on the wires today to see how much trouble it would be to replace the stock 8 gauge with 6 and it's going to be a booger. I don't want to unless I have to.

I know most everyone will chime in that 6 gauge is better. I know that. I want to know if 8 gauge is sufficient for 18 feet as it is for 15 feet.

[Original Tin]

12 24 36 volt?? Same TM as in your siggy??

[Tommy O.]

The Ultrex will be 24 volts and 80 lbs of thrust.

[exx1976]

The way I read that chart, it's "up to". Since you're over 15 feet, I'd go to 6ga. But that's just me, I'm a tad bit paranoid. Last thing I want to have happen is a fire on my boat. Talk about a pain in the ass...

[Original Tin]

IMO...you should be just fine unless you really work your TM hard.

Do you fish in heavy current or big waves where your TM use might be excessive??

Maybe then I would go to 6 but 8 should be fine in most situations.

[Original Tin]

I'm also considering the size/weight of your tin. You're pretty light so I think you'll be fine with 8.

Now if you were a 20' with a 250 on the back and a heavy 36V system...6.

But on the other hand...better safe than sorry is never a bad strategy.

[Original Tin]

One final thought then I'll leave you alone...

You might also consider how going against the Manufacturer Recommend 6 gauge might effect your warranty??

[Tommy O.]

I don't need the extra thrust as the 70 is plenty. I want the spot lock. If I ran the Ultrex at no more than 87% (70 divided by 80) I don't see how it would ever make a difference as it wouldn't pull more. I just don't know what percentage the Ultrex runs on as it is holding on a spot and if that can be limited by the user. I can't imagine fishing when the Ultrex needs to be run at 100% for the spot lock to hold.

[Bill Reynolds]

I am no expert but I think you have to include the length of both wires so if the distance is 18 feet, you have 36 feet of wire. The same current flows through both wires.
I have a friend with a PT190 that recently mounted an 80 lb MG Xi5 and he has Been constantly tripping his breaker. However he asked me to help with it last Friday and we found some really bad connections around the front plug. We replaced the plug and made up new solder joints but I have not heard if this solved his problem.

[Tommy O.]

One final thought then I'll leave you alone...

You might also consider how going against the Manufacturer Recommend 6 gauge might effect your warranty??

I don't know what they recommend. I see where they recommend 8 gauge for 15 feet and 6 gauge for 20 feet. I'm in between. I don't see an up to part, although I could be overlooking it.

[Tommy O.]

I am no expert but I think you have to include the length of both wires so if the distance is 18 feet, you have 36 feet of wire. The same current flows through both wires.
I have a friend with a PT190 that recently mounted an 80 lb MG Xi5 and he has Been constantly tripping his breaker. However he asked me to help with it last Friday and we found some really bad connections around the front plug. We replaced the plug and made up new solder joints but I have not heard if this solved his problem.

Says below the chart that the recommended lengths are from the trolling motor leads to the battery, not there and back.

[Original Tin]

I don't know what they recommend. I see where they recommend 8 gauge for 15 feet and 6 gauge for 20 feet. I'm in between. I don't see an up to part, although I could be overlooking it.

I bet most Dealers would just go with the 8 and never look back.

But seein how you're doing it yourself...maybe overkill isn't a bad idea.

It's really not to hard or expensive to run the 6 and then you know its right.... know what I mean?

It's you're call and personally I'd fish from your boat either way.

[Original Tin]

I am no expert but I think you have to include the length of both wires so if the distance is 18 feet, you have 36 feet of wire. The same current flows through both wires.
I have a friend with a PT190 that recently mounted an 80 lb MG Xi5 and he has Been constantly tripping his breaker. However he asked me to help with it last Friday and we found some really bad connections around the front plug. We replaced the plug and made up new solder joints but I have not heard if this solved his problem.

OH NO!!! This means I have over 42 feet of cable...with a 36V!!!!

I'm gonna have to rewire my rig with 2 gauge in the morning!!

[Bill Reynolds]

Says below the chart that the recommended lengths are from the trolling motor leads to the battery, not there and back.

Ok just I had read something that John Jones had posted but easily could have misunderstood.
My Buddy could not run his over 60% but that was with the bad connections. I will check with him to see if he can run at 100% now that we fixed the connections.

[Tommy O.]

Ok just I had read something that John Jones had posted but easily could have misunderstood.
My Buddy could not run his over 60% but that was with the bad connections. I will check with him to see if he can run at 100% now that we fixed the connections.

Thank you. I think that info will answer my question.

[Tommy O.]

I bet most Dealers would just go with the 8 and never look back.

But seein how you're doing it yourself...maybe overkill isn't a bad idea.

It's really not to hard or expensive to run the 6 and then you know its right.... know what I mean?

It's you're call and personally I'd fish from your boat either way.

I looked at it today to see how hard it would be. I've replaced wiring on other boats but this is shaping up as a pain in the rear as there will be no way to pull the new wires in as the old is pulled out. I'm not saying I won't ever do it but sure don't want to unless it is absolutely 100% required. I'm not sure that it is.

[Original Tin]

Mr. Reynolds had a good idea...why don't you PM Mr. John Jones.

He can tell you real quick what the right course of action would be.

Here's a link to his website... He's a BBC Member and Sponsor...

http://www.jonestrollingmotor.com/index.htm

[Panama]

This may or may not be of any help to you, but I have known people that went from a smaller TM to the big 80s like Maxuum and had to change the wires out. I don't remember the exact specifics but I would bet it was from 8 to 6.

In my opinion, it is something that you will own and run for years probably. You could probably change the wiring in a day or less and have a better system for years. The motor will run better with the bigger wire I believe. This is just me, but if it was my boat and motor ... I would spend a little time and do it the right way.

I would also talk to Mr. Jones as he would know better than anybody here.

[exx1976]

I'm also considering the size/weight of your tin. You're pretty light so I think you'll be fine with 8.

Now if you were a 20' with a 250 on the back and a heavy 36V system...6.

But on the other hand...better safe than sorry is never a bad strategy.

Actually, a 36V can use thinner wire than a 24V system because the 36V system draws fewer amps. The worst is a 12V system at a 15-20 foot run - you need 2 AWG.

[Original Tin]

Actually, a 36V can use thinner wire than a 24V system because the 36V system draws fewer amps. The worst is a 12V system at a 15-20 foot run - you need 2 AWG.

I've had many 12V systems...NONE ever required 2 gauge wire...NONE.