Simple Electric for the simple

[Tim Ford]

Among the many things about which I know nothing is DC wiring (not to mention AC wiring).

Here is a simple plan to get juice to the trolling motor, under the cockpit and into the rudder tower. The two studs...should they be in copper? I spend so little time in electrical aisles of Lowes etc that I have no idea where to get these parts....can I get a 10 foot length of battery lead to run back to the studs? Does the wiring need to be marine grade?

Any feedback would be great, thanks.

SimpleDCtoMotor.jpg

ruddTower.jpg

[jray]

I didn't use marine grade wire, just coated cable from the automotive parts store. You do want to stay with larger cable, less resistance to power flow. I don't remember exactly but believe I used six gauge wire for the runs from the batterys to the transom.

[Chad]

I bought the receptacle that fits the motor's plug and mounted it to the cockpit side (it is sort of a cup, and would hold water if mounted flat on the deck). It's a good idea to add an in-line fuse to the wire run.

Two exposed terminals scares me- imagine a screwdriver rolling across the deck and making contact with them. At the least you'll need to fix the paint where the charring occurs, or replace the roasted wires, or battery, or the smoldering boat....

I haven't used my motor since the second day sailing. I have a short oar that can get me around the launch ramps, and I've found it's just easier to adjust my thinking to "dinghy" rather than "yacht". Your launch situation may dictate otherwise, of course.

[Tim Ford]

Not a worry, I bought a battery box that has an internal fuse and stuff...charge level indicator and even a 12V outlet (see photo)...as far as the exposed terminals, these are going to be inside the rudder tower, totally protected from anything gnarly or rolling around anywhere. So no worries, but good to be reminded of...I'll make sure no one throws loose change or their charm bracklet into the hot space.

BelowDeck-cabin.jpg

Still got a bit of sanding and mud slinging below before I paint it white.

[jray]

Looking very nice, almost ready for that first overnight weekend.

Any thoughts on a splash date?

[Mist]

Hi TF,

Does your rudder tower have a drain in it? A pool of seawater within that cavity is a pretty good conductor. This might lead to corrosion of the terminal(s) or an early discharging of your battery. Just a thought.

[Tim Ford]

Good thinking and I had considered that. I think what I am going to do is use two inspection port caps. One left intact, and one with a small cut out to allow the motor leads in to the terminals. Bit of a PITA, but should keep the space dry. I may even loosely "attach" the inspection port lid, drill a hole thru the center, run the leads thru the middle of the cap.

For motor usage, I'd attach the leads to the terminal post, and then screw in the lid, allowing the wires to rotate a bit in the lid.

Should keep the area pretty dry.