Guide for wiring boat

[InSaneFisherMan]

Here is a good source of information on wiring a boat.

 

[LDUBS]

I finally got some time to read thru this. Really good stuff and answers a lot of questions I wasn't too sure about. Thanks for posting.

The only negative is I learned my made in USA crimpers, which I've had for years, aren't really considered good for insulated crimps. I think I knew that but just didn't want to admit it until I read the attachment.

 

[Still Afloat]

Interesting that the bilge pump is not fused in the provided schematic.

I also prefer to crimp bare connectors only. The crimp on plastic insulated connectors is inferior to bare connectors. So my method is crimp, solder and heat shrink. No dielectric grease between the connector and wire.

 

[LDUBS]

I didn't notice that with the bilge pump. Mine has a resettable fuse at the manual/auto switch.

Dumb question #465: Is there any reason other than cost, not to use oversized wire in a circuit? In other words, the circuit specs out at 16ga but I have a bunch of 12ga on hand.

 

[KMixson]

The pliers I use to crimp connectors and terminals have a round side on one jaw and a nib on the other jaw. When I crimp, I make sure the seam in the connector is on the round side of the tool even if it is an insulated connector. That way the nib will not crush one half of the connector down leaving the other half loose on the wire making it a bad connection. I like to pull on the wires to make sure it is secure after doing so.

 

[Still Afloat]

Oversize wire doesn’t hurt anything. It just weighs more and it’s less flexible.

 

[David Atkins]

I didn't notice that with the bilge pump. Mine has a resettable fuse at the manual/auto switch.

Dumb question #465: Is there any reason other than cost, not to use oversized wire in a circuit? In other words, the circuit specs out at 16ga but I have a bunch of 12ga on hand.

Nope, 12 ga. has less current drop, will run more amps and yes it costs more but if you already have it then why not?

 

[thill]

Ldubs,
Those crimpers work, but not for the better shrink/glue fittings. It will perforate them. You need the ratchet type. They work very well, and are worth the extra. Here are the ones I use:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P84SS63

 

[Steph Boeker]

Here is a good source of information on wiring a boat.

Thank you for sharing. I'm restoring my Lone*Star 14/54 w/upgrades as well. I've checked this file and downloaded it for reminders when I get to that point. Researching one accessory and the specs for it leads to researching other accessories. I think I'll need to put aside more $$.