Up-Grade the wiring

[Speedy]

I think I discovered a possible reason my fish finder was sometimes shutting off and on. Old wiring. What I found in the box was automotive type wire, probably wrong gauge, crimped and covered with electrical tape, no shrink wrap. Drawing plans on paper first. Starting from the 12 volt marine battery, install a Master Shut off, then a 12 terminal Block Bus Bar (6 red/6 black), then a new dash board panel using Bass Pro Shops illuminated rocker switch panel with breakers (not fuses) SKU# 3097079. This panel uses three 5 amp breakers, two 10 amp breakers and one 15 amp breaker.

 This is for my smaller boat, 16ft. AlumaCraft, with 45hp. Merc ,electric start and trim using one 12 volt marine battery, and a  85 lb. thrust 24 volt Minnkota (two batteries) , (both stern mounted). Fish finder, bilge pump, live-well pump, required running lights, horn all on the one 12 volt.

 

Questions: 1: What gauge wire is best for the fish-finder? I plan on using only marine grade tinned wire and marine connectors.

                   2: Install a second battery shut off for the two in series?

                   3. Any idea as to what the amp draw would be for each equipment?

 

Any suggestions is welcome. I'm trying to keep it simple and clean. No radios, music, fancy lights...just the basic stuff.  All the wiring was installed in a wooden compartment with carpet screwed down on top. Nothing was visible.  Now I would like to see an have easy assess.

Thanks.  Speedy

 

 

[J.D.]

this should get you started...

https://tonful.com/the-complete-guide-to-marine-electrical-wiring/

 

I've used Greg for most all my wiring projects

https://gregsmarinewiresupply.com/

Edited January 21 by J.D.

[Speedy]

Thanks JD

[GAMBLER]

My biggest piece of advice is label everything!  It will make diagnosing issues way easier in the future!

[Speedy]

I agree 100%. I'm a old "race car" guy and like everything clean, neat and easy to work on. 

This boat is my second (used 16ft. AlumaCraft with gas Merc stern outboard). Starting with a new 12 Marine (single battery) I plan on installing Master Disconnect switch. From there I am thinking about either a 8 gang Rocker Switch Panel with resettable circuit breakers OR a 6 gang waterproof switch panel with one 15A inline fuse. Keeping it simple (no music, radios, inside lights).  Just Humminbird fish finder, small bilge pimp (not automatic), running lights required, live-well pump, and first the Merc outboard electric start with trim.  

 

Do you think a 12 terminal Block Buss Bar is needed in line before the rocker switch panel? Or does that switch panel act a buss bar itself? Using only marine tinned wire and connectors, and labels on the switches and wires going to each. This is all new to me, so I appreciate any advice.  Any idea on what gauge wire? Short runs of 5ft. to switch panel, so 5 ft x 2 =10 + each. 12 gauge sound ok? Thanks, Speedy

[Shakemsam]

12 ga is fine. Your accessories amp requirements will be written on their bodies, someplace.  Biggest draw will be bilge and live well. Your O/B will have a main fuse under the cowling and cables go directly to the battery or a Perko type switch. FWIW, I recommend installing a 30amp breaker switch fed from the battery, feeding your switch panel at the dash.  That way you can shut your dash and accessories down with out disconnecting the battery or losing power to the O/B.

[J.D.]

Speedy, The marine wiring website I posted above has a chart that tells what gauge wire is needed based on amp draw and length of wire run.  Check out Blue Sea Systems for bus bars, terminal blocks, etc.

I have used a lot of their products in my rig.