What gauge wire for Mercury 50HP -100HP DYI Positive & Negative Battery Cables ?

[comstox]

It's getting cold here in Northern New Hampshire and we have had that dreaded day! You know the one... Where you know that, from that day on, you won't get your boat on the water until most of the ice melts in mid to late April. DREADFUL DAY! So... I have to prepare my workshop for Winter tinkering.

I want to build an engine station to work on a few motors I picked up over the Summer and I want to make some DYI Battery cables (Like the ones pictured,) about 10-12 feet long, so I can test engine components.
So my question: What would be the proper gauge for some battery cables to run from the Marine Battery I leave on my bench and run over to the motor?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Scott Danforth]

as you increase length, you need to increase gauge. I would shoot for 4 gauge at a minimum, however I would probably run 0

make sure you use tinned copper marine cable

 

[comstox]

make sure you use tinned copper marine cable

Would solid copper not be just as good, or is it too expensive? I would like it to be semi-flexable. Wouldn't 0 gauge be super stiff?
Thanks.

 

[GA_Boater]

For bench testing a set of jumper cables will work just fine. Move the battery if the jumper cables are short.

Unless you take the bench boating, that's all you need.

 

[comstox]

For bench testing a set of jumper cables will work just fine.

Will I attach the cable clamps directly to the starter terminals???