Boat jumper cables (homemade)

[ClownColor]

I've had issuse in the past when I need to jump batteries in my boat. I run two AGM style batteries that have the bolt style terminals, which can be a pain to switch out in the boat espically in choppy waters.

After considering purchasing a small pair or jumper cables and seeing how expensive the "marine" styles were, can a person make some with just some wire and alligator clips? I realize I could just buy some cheapos at a box store for autos but I have plenty of wire and alligator clips lying around. I only need about 1-2 feet in length. If so, what gauge of wire would be apropriate?

Thanks,

[hydro]

I have a pair of small jumpers that I keep in the boat for just this purpose. They are about 8 or 10 ga copper stranded wire and work just fine. If you shop around a little you can probably buy them for less than it costs to make them.

[JohnMickish]

Fleet Farm has small emergency type cables for $12, hey come in a bag and work just great for a boat.

[hydro]

Fleet Farm has small emergency type cables for $12, hey come in a bag and work just great for a boat.

Thats exactly what I have, with the bag stowed in the battery compartment.

[bobbymalone]

fer sure.

I don't know what makes them "marine grade" maybe some anti corrosive properties or something?

Auto cables will jump a battery just fine.

[Northlander]

On long trips away from home I also bring a rechargable jumper box. Works great for all sorts of stuff. I can jump batteries, blow up water toys and tires and even plug in my hand held gps or radios to it if needed.

[ClownColor]

Thanks for the info here. Sounds like most just use regular cheap auto cables which without a doubt would be my choice over "marine" cables.

Just supprised no one had tried making a set with wire and clips. Like I said, have plenty of wire and clips around so thought I'd save some money. Not being an electrical person, I'd thought I'd ask before ruining some expensive batteries!

And yes- those jumper boxes can be a real saver!

[Larson15]

+1 for the jumper box. Just make sure its charged! I found one at Menards for 20 bucks that works well.

[delcecchi]

Wire and clips will make cables. Just make sure the wire if heavy enough to carry the current associated with hooking a dead battery to a live one.

[Jim Almquist]

I ran some 6 gauge cables in my boat and had some leftover cable so I made 2 sets of 3 footers. One for the boat and one for the 4 wheeler. In the boat I can jump my starting battery from my trolling motor batteries and on the 4 wheeler I can jump with my Marcum battery. Just leave them in the boat and in the 4 wheeler tool box so I always have them if needed.

[Gordie]

I used to carry jumper cables but I was at a auction and got three jumper boxs and they work great. I use one for back up lighting on the river and one is dedicated for starting. they are also nice because they have the cig lighter adapter in them so If I need a spot light or the GPS plugged in it does the job

[Meat-Run]

I went to my local sound connection/radio shack speaker shop and had them make me up two cables 24 inches long black and red with the crimped brass fittings for clean and easy use for $15.

Good Luck,

mr