Wire Gauge for connecting batteries to Minn Kota trolling motor

[bobberwoman]

"Electrician" connected 2 12 volt Optima batteries installed in series for 24 volt, 70# thrust Minn Kota trolling motor. He used 10 gauge wire for the connection.
and said 8 gauge was not needed because batteries are located within 5 feet of the motor. I'm not sure the gauge of the wire is correct. Also, what amp. should
the circuit breaker be on this connection.

 

[mxcobra]

60 amp breaker the 10 gauge should be fine, when your running it check the wires if they start getting warm to hot. Its not fine

 

[fishrdan]

Yep, 10 gauge should be fine. What counts is the total wire run length + and - from the TM to the batteries. Depending on how the wire is run through the boat you could get away with 12ga on a direct run or need up to 8ga if that 5' is actually more like 20' of total wire length. Of course, 12ga shouldn't be used as the 70# MK uses 10 ga wire attached to it.

Blue Seas DC wire calculator is a good source to figure out what gauge of wire is needed.