Dumb Question on Wiring Trollin

[Fishbone]

Just bought a Minn-Kota Autopilot and am currently mounting /wiring it to my boat. Every post I have read here states ..."use only 6 Ga wire" . Here's the question... Why do the trollin' motors all come with 8 Ga leads? I'm confused.
Would you have 6 Ga wire running from the batteries and hooking up to the 8 Ga motor leads???? Please help out a non-electrician. Thanks guys.

[SA]

>Just bought a Minn-Kota Autopilot and
>am currently mounting /wiring it
>to my boat. Every post
>I have read here states
>..."use only 6 Ga wire"
>. Here's the question... Why
>do the trollin' motors all
>come with 8 Ga leads?
>I'm confused.
>Would you have 6 Ga wire
>running from the batteries and
>hooking up to the 8
>Ga motor leads???? Please help
>out a non-electrician. Thanks guys.


>That is a good question. The need for the larger wire is for when you are running at longer distances in your boat. From the factory the 8 guage is great as long as you are connecting it right to the battery. The new motors draw alot of current. If you are running the wire to the back of the boat for example you want to insure that you have no power loss. The longer the wire the more resistance there is and the more voltage dropped across it. 8 guage to 6 guage is not as big of a difference as going from 8 to 12. Hopefully this helps.

[Den]

fishbone, there is no such thing as a dumb question, we have all had questions , and this way everybody gets the answers too. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[Huntingnut]

i agree except there is one more consideration. the longer the run of wire the more heat will be generated. you sure dont want to have a fire on your boat. it is never a problem to go with bigger wire, you will get better amperage and less heat.