Wire Size
 

I need to add another battery and don't know what size wire to use for the positive and negative wires. I think the length will be about 6 or 7 feet. Thanx for any help..

I'd go with 2 gauge.

2AWG wire is probably what is currently in the boat. Check to see if there is writing on the insulation of the wires for the battery that is in the boat now.

I just wired my batteries with 2AWG on the positive side and 4AWG on the negative side.

Eric

CheckmateF1,

I am in the process of doing the same. Why did you go with #2 on the positives and #4 on the negatives? Is this the standard? I have noticed that the lugs are 3/8" (+) and 5/16" (-).

Just asking because I don't want to make a mistake by going with #2 on all lugs.

Thanks in advance.

no such thing as "too big". Going larger than necessary, though, adds cost and the cable will not bend as easily, making it more difficult to get it to look pretty. I got a diesel cruiser that uses 2/0 cable (probably a full inch OD with the insulation). That crap is hard to make a tight bend with.

2 guage would be fine or 0 would be better. Forrest

WildFire, he is right. No such thing as too big. But I did'nt want to spend big bucks and also wanted to be able to route all the cables side by side like a pro rigging job. In my experience 2AWG or 4AWG is the norm for most performance boat builders. I had planned on using 4 for everything but felt a little more comfortable using 2 for the positive side as the starter draws quite a few amps to crank up a big block!

I'll post a pic or two of my rig job this weekend.

Eric

Our local Cobalt dealer makes them up custom, $3.00 per foot with ends. That is for #0 gauge.

So, that is the way I am going. Otherwise, it is mailorder and wait until next week.

West Marine and Boaters World have it in stock. Buy it by the foot and crimp you own ends that they have in stock also. Regular wire crimpers work fine for me.

3.00/ft already made is a good price though.

Eric