voltage on trolling motor

[meritimas]

is there a way to check your voltage on your trolling motor while it is running

[BassBUFF]

What kind of TM? 12 or 24v? What type of plug? Why do you want to know?

Seriously, You can always check across the batteries to see what's left. Or you could take the plug apart and check it there.

[meritimas]

  i need to be more specific i have a minn kota edge 42 lb thrust 12 volt that calls for 6 gauge wire but the wire that runs the length of my 16 foot boat is 8 gauge will this affect the output or should i rewire

[BassBUFF]

While 6ga would be best but I believe you can get by just fine with the 8. If the wiring is old or in poor shape then it would behoove you to swap out. If it's a fairly newer boat you shouldn't have a problem.

[meritimas]

 i appreciate your feedback thanks

[BigDBasser]

I agree with BassBuff, the wire should be OK.  However, the biggest loss of power is due to the connections, more so than the wire size.  Check all connections for corrosion and/or tightness.  This will better than changing the wire.  You check for voltage loss by first checking voltage at the battery while under load, than at the closest point to the motor itself again while under load.  You can check it at the plug-in or motor head, or foot pedal.  Any of these points will give you some idea of what your voltage loss is.  The key is to check the voltage while it is under load (the trolling motor is on).  Hope this helps.

[meritimas]

another problem is even though i havent had a chance to investigate is all the splicing from the same wires for lights and depth finder should i run a separate line thanks to all for your help

[BigDBasser]

Yes, the trolling motor should be wired alone.  The depth finder should be on a fused circuit by itself.  The lights should be on a switched circuit from the console.  It seems that someone has been doing some re-wiring and messed it up.

[BassBUFF]

Yes, the trolling motor should be wired alone.  The depth finder should be on a fused circuit by itself.  The lights should be on a switched circuit from the console.  It seems that someone has been doing some re-wiring and messed it up.

I agree. Never tie any electronics or accessories to the TM.