Big Jon downrigger wiring

[Bad Habit]

I need to replace a couple of connectors and wire on Big Jon downriggers. I believe that  they are 10 amp breakers. I was wondering  What gage wire would I need? Thanks for any help. 

[UNREEL]

#10 marine gauge should be good. Easy to work with and handle the load

[Bait Bucket]

I need to revive this topic. Unreel, are you stating 10awg from the DR motor or battery to plug? The reason I'm asking is because I came across an older (but new in box) Big Jon electric I want to install and it has a lighter socket type plug on the end. I know that wire is not 10awg, maybe 14 or even 16. I am thinking of running 10awg from my starting battery (fused-20amp) to a lighter type socket but leaving my DR wiring alone. Anyone else who has thoughts on this are welcome to join in.

[CK3080]

I ran 10/2 to my close rigger outlet and 8 AWG to my far rigger outlet(10' and 20' runs respectively from battery).  These were for cannon mag10 STX's, and yes the wiring was much lighter (prob 14) on the downrigger side of the plug.  No issues in 5 years. 

[Bait Bucket]

Did you use an inline fuse. My shortest run is only about 4 feet.  

 

[CK3080]

Not an inline. Wired to a fuse panel right near the battery. So those wire sizes were actually from fuse panel to rigger outlets, my bad.


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[stinger]

This may help in your wire selection. Running from a fuse panel will work. The length of the wire run will also enter into the equation so if you have long runs from the power source (fuse panel, battery etc.) check to see what is recommended but you don't have to be direct to a battery.

 

Amperage Capacities for Standard Non-Metallic (NM) Cable
14-gauge wire	15 amps
12-gauge wire	20 amps
10-gauge wire	30 amps
8-gauge wire	40 amps
6-gauge wire	55 amps
4-gauge wire	70 amps
3-gauge wire	85 amps
2-gauge wire	95 amps

 

Big Jon downrigger wiring basics

https://www.bigjon.com/the-reel/downrigger-wiring-basics-/

 

 

 

 

Edited March 31, 2020 by stinger

[Bait Bucket]

Nice chart. I was going to do 10awg, but I think I am going to do 12. Only going less than 4 feet, more like maybe 3.

[JAYRFRED]

Just be sure that it is copper stranded, not Harbor Freight stranded aluminum!

Also no crimp connectors!

Solder and shrink wrap is the only way to go!

Edited March 31, 2020 by JAYRFRED

[Bait Bucket]

Ordered some marine grade wire.  That stuff is expensive.  No connectors,  soldering all points. 

[Bozeman Bob]

They (NAPA ,any auto parts store )  do sell 12 volt 10 ,20 , 30 amp circuit breakers that have spade terminals on them. Much easier to reset than replacing fuses ,some are auto reset as well.