wirng a boat what type wire?

[buddyholly]

I am rewiring my pontoon boat and am wondering if I have to use marine grade wire or is it ok to use automotive type? the boat won't see salt water. The only thing that I am needing to wire are the running and anchor lights. Also what about running romex as it is double insulated?

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: wirng a boat what type wire?

Don't use Romex or any other solid wire. It cannot take vibration, especialy at connections. The "automotive" wire from hardware stores would work but only until corrosion eats the connections. Tinned Marine wire is the best. It has an insulation resistant to gas oil water and sunlight and the conductors are oxygen resistant thanks to the tinning. Second best is untinned wire with the same insulation type. This would be the minumum quality I would use.<br /><br />Of course you need to consider how you will support the wires, terminate the ends and a proper method of fusing and switching.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: wirng a boat what type wire?

Romex is a trademarked brand of duplex or triplex cable. As the Calico Kid mentions, it has solid (type 1) conductors and is not good for use on a boat. However, you can get marine-grade duplex with either one red [+] and one black [-] insulated conductor inside; or one red [+] and one yellow [-], the new and improved coloring scheme for onboard dc wiring. Looks and feels just like Romex, but has stranded (type 2 or type 3) tinned conductors inside a uv resistant sheath…double insulated, as you said. Commonly available where ever fine boat wire is sold…including right here at iboats’ MegaMall: wire. Unfortunately, Ancor brand is some of the most over-priced marine wire you can buy.<br /><br />AWG 16 is the smallest gauge wire used on boats. It should be more than enough copper for any nav lights.<br /><br />How much duplex (length) do you need?

 

[jlinder]

Re: wirng a boat what type wire?

Another thing to think about is the connection. <br />Don't even think about wire nuts - you want to use crimp connectors.<br /><br />You want to buy a good crimper. Pliers are a BIG NO-NO. <br /><br />You should also seal the connections with heat-shrink to prevent corrosion. The best heat shrink for this is the type with adhesive inside. It's no really adhesive, but when you heat it up to shrink the inside will melt and conform to the wire making an airtight connection.<br /><br />You will a lot of posts here about crimp vs. crimp then solder. I am a strong proponant of the crimp only method, and feel it is a superior connection, but take the time to read all the posts if you have questions.<br /><br />Sounds like you don't have a big job, but it is still enough work that you want to do it right. Done with care it should last at tleast 25 years.