Wiring question for an aluminum hull

[geedubcpa]

I have a 81 starcraft, I am rewiring the lights, trolling motor, and other stuff. I am not sure about GROUNDING the hull to the battery? Is this something you should do or stay away from?

So far everything is wired using two strand wire and does not use the hull for any grounding.

Thanks for input.

 

[macca123]

Re: Wiring question for an aluminum hull

Never use your hull as a ground, use a busbar for the earths and a fuse block for the power with the correct rated fuse for each item you want to wire up.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Wiring question for an aluminum hull

And of course run the common ground/earth back to the battery Neg post/terminal.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Wiring question for an aluminum hull

You should also make sure that you use marine tinned wire or your wiring job will not last. I have found that Interstate Battery (or at least the one local to me) sells the marine wire at a great price.

Yes, isolate everything and keep in mind that your engine is still going at act as a ground so..... if you check the continuity between the Negative and the engine you will see it is grounded. Isolated ground lines is still the way to go...... use crimp connectors

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Wiring question for an aluminum hull

In agreement with all others and will add, use crimp connectors with shrink tubing. Also use a good quality crimper. Watched a video a while back on this subject and the difference is astounding. Wish I'd have saved that site.

 

[chargerboy]

Re: Wiring question for an aluminum hull

question: What harm can one do by grounding the electronics on the boat if the motor is already grounded to it? I realize engines have the anodes to prevent corrosion, but will grounding everything else make that corrode too? I don't even have an aluminum boat, I'm just curious what would happen. (not that I intend to do this, I always wire negative back to battery)

 

[Bondo]

Re: Wiring question for an aluminum hull

I'm just curious what would happen.

Ayuh,... Using an aluminum hull for the ground path of lighting or electronics will set up electrolisis,+ turn the hull into a holey pile of white dust...

Don't ever do it...

 

[chargerboy]

Re: Wiring question for an aluminum hull

Thanks for the info

 

[macca123]

Re: Wiring question for an aluminum hull

Ayuh,... Using an aluminum hull for the ground path of lighting or electronics will set up electrolisis,+ turn the hull into a holey pile of white dust...

Don't ever do it...

I was going to say swiss cheese.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Wiring question for an aluminum hull

except to your MIL's boat...then it's allowed.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Wiring question for an aluminum hull

except to your MIL's boat...then it's allowed.

I might tolerate my MIL if she HAD a boat..lol