SoCal Jet Boats

Tech Talk => Engine Mechanical / Electrical => Topic started by: bkplesh on June 16, 2007, 10:29:39 AM

Title: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: bkplesh on June 16, 2007, 10:29:39 AM
what size + and - wire should I run for the battery's. going about 10 to15 feet. not going to be cheap ??? >:(
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: hotrod56cars on June 16, 2007, 01:20:00 PM
Standard issue in cars, no matter where the battery is mounted including the trunk, seems to be 4 gauge. I'd go with 2 gauge...
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: bkplesh on June 16, 2007, 03:29:49 PM
thats what I was going to get. just wanted a second opinion. thanx
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: hotrod56cars on June 16, 2007, 04:20:47 PM
I've got 17 feet of 4 gauge that you can have, bkplesh.
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: bkplesh on June 16, 2007, 04:24:54 PM
cool thanx there is a miller for sale 1900  I think
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: bkplesh on June 16, 2007, 04:26:03 PM
here it is ;D


Classic custom 1979 Miller 21' mini day cruiser built in Santa Maria Ca.

The boat includes:

a Hardin marine 454 with a berkley jet.
Tandem trailer with aluminium wheels.
Has new upolstery white with orange piping.
Hull is is in good condition with a couple small dings.
The boat is a v-hull and runs great across rough water.
Comes with life vest, ropes, disk and tube.
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: bkplesh on June 16, 2007, 04:29:47 PM
I've got 17 feet of 4 gauge that you can have, bkplesh.
should I run 2 gauge for + and then can I run 4 guege for - or should I run it the other way or all 2 gauge
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: hotrod56cars on June 16, 2007, 04:36:19 PM
Your power and ground wires should be exactly the same size and quantity.
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: bkplesh on June 16, 2007, 04:37:32 PM
so it would be best to go buy all 2 gauge wire
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: hotrod56cars on June 16, 2007, 04:38:08 PM
Yes, that would be best.   ;)
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: bkplesh on June 16, 2007, 04:44:20 PM
that will be it. i have to go the store on monday
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: countryboyaustin on June 18, 2007, 01:26:50 PM
Ran mine with 4 gauge welder wire. Same stuff as battery cable and it is WAY cheaper
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: hotrod56cars on June 18, 2007, 09:44:12 PM
Ran mine with 4 gauge welder wire. Same stuff as battery cable and it is WAY cheaper

Good tip!
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: The Chaz on June 19, 2007, 09:44:39 AM
On a similar note (not to jack the thread ::))  can I chain 2 batteries together?  Just run pos+ to pos+ and neg to neg or will that effect the voltage or overall cranking amps?
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: hotrod56cars on June 19, 2007, 11:40:32 AM
Yes you can. However you'd be happier with and your electrical system would be more flexible with a battery switcher. I'm sure they're available almost anywhere but I did see them at Sunset Marine on Broadway in El Cajon. Do a 411.   ;)
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: crewchief22 on June 19, 2007, 12:08:50 PM
As long as you run batteries + to + and - to - you keep the same voltage (12V) but double the amps (amps is good).
If you run + to - you keep the same amps but double the voltage (24V).
24V smokes 12V components  :o
This concludes batteries 101
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: bkplesh on June 19, 2007, 03:38:35 PM
Yes you can. However you'd be happier with and your electrical system would be more flexible with a battery switcher. I'm sure they're available almost anywhere but I did see them at Sunset Marine on Broadway in El Cajon. Do a 411.   ;)
I was there moanday and they had two
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: Oldsquirt on June 19, 2007, 04:37:55 PM
Why do you need such long battery cables?

Remember, not all wires of the same gauge are created equally. The more strands of wire in a given size cable, the better.
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: bkplesh on June 19, 2007, 04:40:25 PM
moving weight. more weight to the front
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: Oldsquirt on June 19, 2007, 04:47:20 PM
moving weight. more weight to the front

Most people are trying to do the opposite, except in real high HP deals where they need a little help to avoid carrying the nose too high. Why are you doing it?
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: HDriderTH on June 19, 2007, 04:48:31 PM
I used to use the welding cable on cars too, 'bout a buzillion strands
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: bkplesh on June 19, 2007, 05:10:46 PM
Most people are trying to do the opposite, except in real high HP deals where they need a little help to avoid carrying the nose too high. Why are you doing it?
boat sits to low in the ass end. first I'm going to move the batterys (three) then I'm going to unglass the tanks and move them forward too. I've got over 850 pounds hanging off of the ass end. Plus,  there are guys that are building them with weight up front for high speed. thanx for the input.
Title: Re: what size battery wire to run?
Post by: hotrod56cars on June 19, 2007, 08:42:59 PM
I used to use the welding cable on cars too, 'bout a buzillion strands

I'm having trouble understanding your technical terms there HD...   ???   ;D
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