Jon Boat wiring Challenge

[Soup1K9]

Need some fatherly Advise. Can some please help me on this I am frek'n lost!!!!! <br /><br />I need a wiring diagram to meet the following needs. I know I am not the only one here, I have seen lot of posts in the past and in several message boards asking very vague questions but here is the ultimate.<br /><br />I would like someone to build me a wiring diagram that meets the following criteria. I want to install Bow/Stern light, bilge pump w/ switch, live well, and a cigarette light type receptacle for spot light. I want a toggle switch panel to be mounted on the rear bench for easy operation. <br /><br />#1 question which battery to use crank(rear) or the troll battery(front)<br /> <br />#2 Where can you get toggle switch panel that would meet this need. Or similar (need web address) <br /><br />#3 size wiring to use?<br /><br /># Need fuses and where to install those?<br /><br />Can someone give me the break down on wiring a Jon!!!!!! <br /><br />Thanks<br />Jason

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Jon Boat wiring Challenge

i wired my jon for running lights and also for interior lights and a bilge pump.<br /><br />all you need is go to http://www.westmarine.com/electrical.html and just browse their electrical section, sit back and read it all. they have good helpfull tips and show pics of everything you asked about.<br /><br />then, when your done, come back here to iboats.com and buy it all from here.<br /><br />iboats.com supports this site for you, so your patronage is appreciated and helps keep this site running. <br /><br />iboats is cheaper but their site is harder to search and navigate.<br /><br />westmarines site is simple to navigate.<br /><br />have fun

 

[Soup1K9]

Re: Jon Boat wiring Challenge

I went to that web site and all I could find was high $$$$$!!!!!!!! Can you better steer me. I only see products, no discussions or instructions.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Jon Boat wiring Challenge

Jason,<br /><br />A simple setup is this:<br /><br />- inline fuse (20 or 30amp) water proof from Radio Shack. <br />- Terminal strip for 6 connections.<br />- Spool of 18ga (for running lights)and 10ga for the lighter, bilge pump and live well.<br />- two or three toggle switches as needed.<br />- Crimp fasteners/spade for all wire sizes and solder.<br /><br />Run the inline fuse (feed) from the battery of choice (the one being charged by o/b would be good) to the terminal strip. Then jump from the feed to another open lug on the terminal strip. From there, run 18ga to switch, then branch to front and rear lights. <br /><br />Jump from feed to another open lug on terminal strip and run 10 ga to the cigarette lighter, and another 10 ga to bilge pump switch then to pump, and another 10 ga to live well switch then to live well. <br /><br />Run black ground wire back to common open lug on terminal strip then back to battery negative to complete circuits. <br /><br />That should give you an idea. Read about wiring. draw a diagram of your boat and where the accessories will be. This will help with wire routing. Soldering connections is better than crimping. The fuse must be the first thing off the + side of the battery. Be neat with the wires and attach with tie wraps or other professional attachment methods. <br /><br />Generally, for fresh water use, the supplies from Radio Shack or the like will give years of service, especially if soldered.<br /><br />Do not take my post as gospel, it should work, but its up to you to make it safe.<br /><br />Mark

 

[gspig]

Re: Jon Boat wiring Challenge

I won't argue much with Mark, but I think you must crimp terminals to marine wire by code, you can also solder with crimping. Then cover the terminal barrel with waterproof heat shrink tubing.<br /><br />You may find a toggle switch board on ebay. Boat parts.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Jon Boat wiring Challenge

I went to that web site and all I could find was high $$$$$!!!!!!!!

dont follow directions well, do we?!?!? i said look there, and then buy here.<br /><br />you need TINNED wire, not ordinary automotive wire, itll corrode faster than you can say "saltwater taffy"<br /><br />your not hooking up anything high draining or high amp... so just the basics will work.<br /><br />

this will work for both fusing AND distribution<br />dist panel

 

[Soup1K9]

Re: Jon Boat wiring Challenge

You guys are a life saver. I will let you know how it turns out!!!<br /><br />Jason