Category Archives: Wire Size

Too much of a good thing?

Posted on by

Kevin,

I am rewiring my outboard engine. I have already purchased 2 gauge rust-resistant tinned wire. Then I checked the existing boat wiring and figured out it that it is 4 gauge. Tinned boat wiring

Is there a problem with over gauging a marine electrical system?

Thank you

Chuck

Hi Chuck,

There is no problem with over gauging, but under gauging will cause an increased voltage drop and may cause your engine to not start.

Thanks,

Kevin

Three questions. Three answers.

Posted on by

Hi Kevin,

Two questions…

  1. Solder or crimp terminals?
  2. How do I select proper wire sizes?

Oh wait, make that three. Fuses or circuit breakers?

I have a Hurricane pontoon boat that’s starting to cause me some problems and I’m going to redo all of the boat wiring.

Thanks,Godfrey dash

Barry

Hi Bill,

  1. If you are going to solder terminals, they really need to have a strain relief on the wire near the connection because the wire gets brittle.
  2. Use my wire size calculator to help decide your wire size.
  3. Circuit breakers are simple to reset and you never need to worry about the being replaced with an incorrect size. If you decide to buy breakers, make sure they are ignition protected if you are using them in your engine room or near stored fuel. ATC (closed) fuses are ignition protected, ATO (open) fuses are not.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Gauging Gauge

Posted on by

Hi Kevin,

I’m working on my pontoon and need some boat wiring advice.

What gauge wire should I use to go from a deep cell battery in the rear of the boat to an 55 lb thrust trolling motor in the front of the boat.

The overall distance is approximately 19 feet.Click to download Kevin's boat wiring size calculator

Pam

Hi Pam,

For a 12 volt trolling motor, I would run 6 AWG boat wiring. For a 24 volt trolling motor, I would run 8 AWG wire.

Also, here is a boat wiring size calculator that might be helpful for your future projects.

Hope this helps,

Kevin