Help!!!!!!!

[Gilbert Scales2]

I installed a minn kota trolling motor on my boat. It is a hand driven model, and I also installed a hot foot. I have a xpress alum. boat, and there are channels under deck to support it. When I installed the hot foot the wires run inside the channel. They run toward the back, and I broke the hot leg of wire for the switch. After about 1/2 hour of use, it keep tripping the breaker. The wire was hot. I disconnected the switch, ran it direct, no problems. Everything is new. The hot lead is twice as long as the negitive, all 8 gauge wire. Any help appreciated .



Bubby

 

[Gilbert Scales2]

I meant bigfoot.

 

[TritonGlenn]

Bubby,



You "might" need bigger wire (I was thinking 6 gauge) Refer to Minn Kota's chart in this FAQ page: http://www.minn-kota.com/Minn-Kota-faq/Minn_Kota_FAQ.htm#6



I would definitely cut that positive lead to be the same length as the negative. Why is it twice as long? The increased length of the wire can cause a voltage drop, and also cause the wires to heat up. Adding that switch in adds some additional resistance and may compound the issue. I'm not saying not to use it - I'm saying that if you are going to use it, I'd have those positive and negative wires to the same length or pretty close to it.



Only other thing I can think of is a bad BigFoot switch. Probably not, but it could happen.



I'd be willing to bet that cutting the wires to the same length will help greatly, and going to 6 gauge will help even more.



All the best,

Glenn

 

[Gilbert Scales2]

Glenn, it is twice as long because of the switch. When I installed the switch the wire only runs to the back of boat. That is the reason for longer wire, it is the switch wire. I believe I might have the answer from another site. The switch should be hooked to the neg. side, not the hot.



Bubby