what gauge wire nav./anchor lights, bilge pump, vhf ect.

[dsujen]

I am wiring up an old aluminum boat. What size wire is needed for the nav lights, bilge pump, ect. I just want to buy 1 spool of boat wire.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: what gauge wire nav./anchor lights, bilge pump, vhf ect.

14 gauge

 

[Silvertip]

Re: what gauge wire nav./anchor lights, bilge pump, vhf ect.

14 gauge is overkill. 16 gauge is more than adequate. And you need two rolls. One red, one black. Otherwise you have no idea which is +12 volt and which is ground unless you label the ends of each wire. If you boat in fresh water, have an old boat, then plain old automotive wire will suffice for a fraction of the cost of marine grade wire.

 

[tab2]

Re: what gauge wire nav./anchor lights, bilge pump, vhf ect.

A 15 amp lighting circuit in your house uses 14 gauge wire, so yes 14 is overkill. 16 will definitely work for you. I think it would be easiest to buy a duplex wire that has the (+) and (-) in the same sheathing. Certainly makes keeping track of what wires to go what accessory a lot easier.

I am almost done with the wiring aspect of my project (old aluminum boat also) and I purchased almost all of my supplies from Waytek Wire. They have minimum orders and I believe it is 250' for 16/2 wire. Definitely more than you and I both need, but it came out cheaper to order from them because the cost of all the other items, switches, bus bars, etc.

16 GA UL 1426 MARINE CABLE 2 CONDUCTOR JACKETED CABLE - MC16-2

You can get a lot less or a by the foot price here:

16/2 AWG Duplex Tinned Marine Wire - $0.36 : Gregs Marine Wire Supply, Welcome Aboard!