Wire gauge question

[Brinkley#01]

I have an older MK Terrova….12v… 55lb thrust…has 50amp circuit breaker in the line…in you folks professional opinion would 8ga wire be optimal from battery to the circuit breaker or should I go to 6ga? Using marine grade tinned wire and Ancor ring terminals…thank you in advance

[st041986]

If it's a short run, you could go with either. I'd go with 6ga if it fits. The less voltage drop, the better.

[MTW]

thatd be fine for a 45 lb but not a 55lb. needs a 60a breaker and the wire awg would depend on length. 8awg is only good for 5ft and 10ft requires 4awg. from 11 to 20ft requires 2awg.

[Brinkley#01]

Thank you folks for your responses

[Lightning 6]

https://minnkota-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us/articles/9014173682455-Conductor-Gauge-and-Circuit-Breaker-Sizing-Chart

[JK9027]

There is a new chart but the old one said 4 awg. I had a 55 once and used the 4 awg. I'm not sure why mk changed the chart....voltage drop math hasn't changed.

[MTW]

There is a new chart but the old one said 4 awg. I had a 55 once and used the 4 awg. I'm not sure why mk changed the chart....voltage drop math hasn't changed.

the old chart calculates out to a 10% voltage drop. 3% and 105 deg conductor really should be used because if the big motor fails the TM beckmes a critical piece of equipment.

[RickCamilleri]

Mk website has this info

https://minnkota-help.johnsonoutdoor...r-Sizing-Chart

[justinp61]

My boat came with 8 gauge wire and a Maxxum 80lb thrust trolling motor, I replaced it with a Fortrex, both draw about 56 amps full load. In 13 years, the only issue I ever had was a TM plug that was only rated for 40 amps. I pulled the 8 gauge and replaced it with 6 gauge when I upgraded to a Ghost. The old 8 gauge replaced the 10 gauge that was feeding my fuse panel at the console.