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| I have a Ranger 681T. When I got the bought it had a 12volt trolling motor on the bow. I recently bought a 24volt trolling motor and was wondering about what guage wire would be the best choice to run. My batteries are in the transom so I have to run wiring the entire length of the boat. Right now, theres 8 gauge wire connecting the batteries to the bow plug in. For that distance and being a 24volt system is the enough? Or would I be better going to a 6 guage or bigger?
I called the MotorGuide hotline and they said for anyhting longer than 20 feet they recommend 6 gauge and I would be alright with 8 gauge in my situation. I called a few boat dealerships also and each one said all they use is 8 gauge.
I jsut wnat to make sure and see what others have to say. Better safe than sorry. Any info or insight woiuld be greatly appreicated.
Thanks,
Mike |
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Posts: 24
Location: coon rapids mn | if better safe than sorry i would go with the 6 ga i just rewired my boat from 8 to 6 because my batteries wouldnt last more than 6 hours on the water i have maxum 74 24volt on a 18 ' crestliner think i needed about 8' of wire also solder all connection dont use splice connectors better to solder then shrink tube connection. you will need a plug in that will accomodate that ga wire i ordered mine through cabelas but i think rangers plugs will accomdate that ga not sure though |
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Posts: 336
Location: In the slop! | What year is your boat? 6 ga. wire has been standard in Rangers for years. My 01 681 has 6 gauge wire, pretty sure it was standard equipment for several years before that. Just call Ranger, they will know. |
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Posts: 333
Location: menasha wi 54952 | How many sets of wires are there? My 98 690 has two sets of wire from back to front. I doubled them up. Had no problem mounting them at the plug or on the batteries. Good luck!!
MR |
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Posts: 742
Location: Grand Rapids MN | You should be fine with the AWG8 wire (I guess it depends on what lbs TM unit you jumped up to). You will have to run to sets for the 24V system and a 24V requires less amp draw and that is what you are most worried about with wire gauge. I agree with Bazil on the soldered connections, that is where you will most likely loose any power/heat problems if any. |
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