Long battery cables

[Driller61]

Long time lurker but first time poster. I've got a project boat I need to get back to and have a question I hope someone here can answer. I have the interior of my 84 Sea Nymph down to the stringers. Bought a new fuel tank so I don't have to mess with cans. Problem is the only place to install the new fuel tank will bury the current location of the starting battery. I bought two #4 RV battery cables that are 14' long thinking I would just put the starting battery up front with the trolling motor batteries. Now I'm wondering if the long battery cables will give me trouble in the future such as short battery life or engine starter problems. What do you guys think?

[Outfitter17]

If you go with heavy enough wire you will have no problem where ever you put them.

[marine_man]

How big of a motor does your boat have on it?

For two reasons:

1) Amperage draw - you will be borderline with 4 gauge, 2 gauge would have been better

2) Weight distribution - if you put all your battieres in the front (presumably 2 trolling motor batteries & starting battery) are you going to have enough hp to get the boat on plane?

Having the fuel tank in back will help, but the benefit will decrease as you burn gas.

marine_man

[Driller61]

Just went out and looked at the wire again - it's #2. The motor is a 90hp, which is the maximum. I guess I'll put the starter battery in the front and not worry about it. Thanks all.

[sparcebag]

Are you talking Cable size as to power a house or wire?Cable #8 would be OK I have #6 in mine and believe I over did it.Mines 18 ft cable #6 Ga.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Sounds like you're all set. I would think #2 would work great.

Post some pics of your project so we can see how it progresses.

[marine_man]

Sounds like you should be in good shape! Welcome to Fishing Minnesota by the way!

marine_man