Wiring a boat

Question

I have a small skiff and am trying to keep it simple. I do not want to have to put in a panel I just want to tap into the hot wire that goes to battery from outboard to run a depth finder and maybe a charger for phones. Both will be fused does it matter where the wires tap in because the battery will be in front of boat but I plan to splice into power in the back of boat before it reaches battery.

nickthehunter · Answer

Doesn't matter where you tap in

2112 · Answer

Consider connecting the + where the battery + connects to the outboard starter solenoid, and the - where the battery - connects to the outboard. Crimp eyelets to your wires for a cleaner connection.

If there is enough threaded post exposed on the solenoid, get an additional nut to add your connection on top of the existing nut. This protects the integrity of the current carrying starter connection path.

dusty_r · Answer

Best to use stranded wire.

veebyes · Answer

A skiff is a different boat to different people. The common understanding is that it will be less than 20' long generally.

Do you have a side console, a center console or tiller steer? Where will the depth finder/fish liar be mounted? For mine I ran a decent gauge line from my battery switch to a bus bar in the console. From that power can be supplied to all accessories, navigation lights, cigarette lighter, depth finder, anything else 12V that I might want to power.

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