What AWG for battery cables to motor

[mragu]

Going to put batteries under console. What size AWG wire should I run to motor? Thanks, Mike

[texasvector]

depends on length.....but i run 2awg .....battery being in front of trans.

[mragu]

depends on length.....but i run 2awg .....battery being in front of trans.

Length is 14'

[tux974]

You can probably fine with 4awg but 2awg tinned would be better. Distance does create some voltage drop. Also motor can make a difference.

[Riptide]

Just type in Tinned Marine Wire under Google.
There's a couple of places which have it for very reasonable prices.

[quicklt1]

does anyone have a diagram for right way to wire boat with dual batteries for dual outboards?

[idvette]

Re: wire guage, this is the chart that I use.
http://

[flabum1017]

14' is 28' round trip, I'd use 1 or 1/0 to the transom, put studs on the transom then go 2 ga to the motor from the studs. Welding cable is good to use from the motor to the studs.... very flexible and more strands.

[mragu]

14' is 28' round trip, I'd use 1 or 1/0 to the transom, put studs on the transom then go 2 ga to the motor from the studs. Welding cable is good to use from the motor to the studs.... very flexible and more strands.

Thanks!!! Will do

[jpf091959]

Not sure if anyone mentioned it, but I have better luck crimping the ends rather than soldering them.

[flabum1017]

Not sure if anyone mentioned it, but I have better luck crimping the ends rather than soldering them.

I do both, Crimp it first for a good mechanical connection then sweat the solder in for a good electrical connection and to seal the cable connection then use heat shrink tube for a waterproof seal.

[at100plus]

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/ref...alBattery.html

This is what I went by. There are a couple options...matter of preference.

[flabum1017]

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/ref...alBattery.html

This is what I went by. There are a couple options...matter of preference.

The "New" wiring schematic on that page is not Coast Guard legal. CG requires you to be able to completely disconnect the batteries in case of emergency, not only that, but common sense dictates that if you get a shorted starter solenoid, you will want to be able to disconnect the battery from the engine quickly. The first option is best for a single engine, run it in the all position to charge both batteries then switch to either battery 1 or 2 while you're fishing, listening to music etc... with the engine off .

[at100plus]

The "New" wiring schematic on that page is not Coast Guard legal. CG requires you to be able to completely disconnect the batteries in case of emergency, not only that, but common sense dictates that if you get a shorted starter solenoid, you will want to be able to disconnect the battery from the engine quickly. The first option is best for a single engine, run it in the all position to charge both batteries then switch to either battery 1 or 2 while you're fishing, listening to music etc... with the engine off .

I'm using the Boston Whaler Factory model. I had a solenoid short over this summer and was able to quickly shut it off. Good catch. I didn't consider the "New" option.

[wired247]

I'm using the Boston Whaler Factory model. I had a solenoid short over this summer and was able to quickly shut it off. Good catch. I didn't consider the "New" option.

What happened when the solenoid shorted?