questoion about the cables for batteries??

[AngelC]

Hey Guys,

How's it going out their?
I have a question about my battery cables. Do I have to buy marine grade cable? or can I get by purchasing 4awg from an Auto parts store? My local Napa Auto Parts sells the cable by the foot and puts the eyelids on for me for about $1.99 a ft. verses West Marine or Boatersworld that is WAY MORE expensive and alomost identical besides the coating on the wire I presume. What do you fellows think I just need two cuts of 4ft of red and one cut of 6ft. black for a ground to hook up my battery selector switch. Can I get by with using this cable?? Any input as always very much appreciated.

Thank you
__________________

 

[Silvertip]

Re: questoion about the cables for batteries??

There are no grounds on a battery selector switch! Positive from each of the two batteries to the BAT 1 and BAT 2 terminals. Negatives on both batteries connect together and then to the engine block. COM on the switch to the engine start solenoid. You can use the bulk cable but I would go one step farther and install shrink tubing over the terminal ends. Just a little extra protection.

 

[dingbat]

Re: questoion about the cables for batteries??

In freshwater you could probably get away with it. If the boat is kept in saltwater then I?d used the tinned stuff.

The tinned copper might be a good bit more expensive but you?ll get 3 times the service out of it. A cable problem out on the water will cost you a good bit more.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: questoion about the cables for batteries??

The bulk cable is not designed to hold up in a marine environment. You can save a little now but when it fails prematurely and you need to pay a tow bill on the water you will see why a little more $ now is worth it.

 

[AngelC]

Re: questoion about the cables for batteries??

Thanks for the input guys

 

[JB]

Re: questoion about the cables for batteries??

Automotive battery cable does not have the flexibility to stand up to the movement of an outboard or the corrosion resistance to stand up to a marine environment.

Using the cheap stuff is a false economy because when it fails it will cost you a lot more than you thought you saved.

 

[dan t.]

Re: questoion about the cables for batteries??

I made up all my own battery cables out of #1 ga welding cable, ends crimped, soldered,and sealed with HD heat shrink. 6years trouble free.

 

[dan t.]

Re: questoion about the cables for batteries??

forgot to add,6 months per year moored in salt water

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: questoion about the cables for batteries??

battery cables, and connections, cause more starting problems than anything else imho.

 

[pvanv]

Re: questoion about the cables for batteries??

Agreed with TD. Marine wire is best.