Questions about wiring a small boat

[adamjthompson]

I have a 14' Jon boat I need to wire up for navigation lights and perhaps other electronics and I have some questions:

Note: My outboard is pull start, so I will have a separate battery to power my electronics.

1) First and foremost, I need nav lights (all-around and combo color lights). I am thinking of something like this setup for the wiring:
A) 12V deep cycle Battery - perhaps http://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-24DC-6-Marine-Battery/16795210
B) 8AWG wire, with a 40-amp inline fuse or breaker running to panel (panel says max 60 amp breaker, but it says its max sustained load is 45 amps, so I bumped to a lower breaker)
C) 4 Circuit + 2 12V Power Outlets Panel - has 15 amp breaker on each of the 4 circuits
D) 14AWG wire running to the nav lights (and other electrical components in the future)

Is that correct/good?

2) I would like to add a trolling motor later. I have read that it would be best to wire the trolling motor direct to the battery (separate from other circuit) with an inline breaker/fuse - perhaps 40-60 amps for a 30 pound thrust motor. Is that correct? Is it OK to run two wires right off the battery terminals?

3) I understand I need to keep the connections and panels dry. Being a jon boat, everywhere on the boat is subject to rain, spray, etc. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Questions about wiring a small boat

Since you plan to add a trolling motor in the futuer, a "deep cycle" battery is a must. The battery you linked to is a marine battery, but I don't believe it is a deep cycle. Unless it days deep cycle somewhere on the battery it very likely isn't. Yes -- the troller MUST be wired directly to the battery with the circuit breaker within six inches of the positive terminal. With a 14 foot jon you will probably be fine with 35 - 45# motor. Plan on 35 - 40 amps for that circuit. What do you plan to run from the two accessory outlets? That determines what the circuit breaker size needs to be. There are several dry boxex available for boats into which switches can be mounted. Visit a boat dealer and check how they do it on tiller steered boats.

 

[adamjthompson]

Re: Questions about wiring a small boat

What do you plan to run from the two accessory outlets? That determines what the circuit breaker size needs to be. There are several dry boxex available for boats into which switches can be mounted. Visit a boat dealer and check how they do it on tiller steered boats.

Probably a USB cell phone charger, which I understand will likely take <1 amps.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Questions about wiring a small boat

Welcome to iboats!

1) Yes, nav lights are a must if you operate in reduced visibility. This is not just at night, BTW. Fog, smoke, etc. also call for them.
A) That battery will be fine. The "DC" in the name stands for deep cycle, which is what you want.
B) Overkill, but it will certainly work. Ten gauge and a 30 amp fuse or breaker will be enough.
C) Sure!
D) Again, overkill. 16 gauge will be adequate.

2) Yes, the trolling motor should be connected directly to the battery, with a fuse or circuit breaker withing a foot of the battery on the positive lead. It's okay to connect two leads to each battery post. Read the instructions for the motor you end up buying for wire and circuit breaker size.

3) Some creativity is required for this one. You are mainly concerned with keeping the back of the panel dry.

 

[gus-gus]

Re: Questions about wiring a small boat

I recently purchased an older Honda 8 horse power kicker. I was surprised to read it has a charging circuit. The plug is in exterior of the cowling and it is designed for an application exactly like yours. I see you either have had a yamaha or do now (tough to know) is it a 4 stroke and if so do you have a charging circuit on it?
Good luck with your wiring.

 

[adamjthompson]

Re: Questions about wiring a small boat

I recently purchased an older Honda 8 horse power kicker. I was surprised to read it has a charging circuit. The plug is in exterior of the cowling and it is designed for an application exactly like yours. I see you either have had a yamaha or do now (tough to know) is it a 4 stroke and if so do you have a charging circuit on it?
Good luck with your wiring.

I have a 1988 Yamaha 6SG - I don't think it has a charging circuit. At least I haven't seen it mentioned.

 

[gus-gus]

Re: Questions about wiring a small boat

I have a 1988 Yamaha 6SG - I don't think it has a charging circuit. At least I haven't seen it mentioned.

My Honda is an 1987 and it is 4 stroke. I was shocked to read a generating circuit existed at all and wondered why, since it is a pull start, but after reading your direction it made sense.

 

[adamjthompson]

Re: Questions about wiring a small boat

Welcome to iboats!

3) Some creativity is required for this one. You are mainly concerned with keeping the back of the panel dry.

Thanks!

What can I enclose the box/wiring in? Is wood or plastic OK, or does it have to be metal? Is ventilation needed to allow wires to stay cool?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Questions about wiring a small boat

I was thinking plastic or wood. With metal, you run the risk of a short if something pulls loose. Maybe a small Rubbermaid-type box?

The wires shouldn't get very hot, but ventilation will prevent moisture buildup.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Questions about wiring a small boat

Again -- go to a boat dealer and see how electronics are housed in tiller steered boats. There are lots of options. You indicated earlier that the boat is wet much of the time so don't use wood as wood rots. The housing does not need to be ventilated as the wires will not get hot if you don't overload the circuits. Water resistant housings are available for this purpose. They have clear covers so you see gauges if you incorporate them.