What do I need to wire a boat?

Question

What do I need to wire multiple things off of a single battery? Do I just split off of a main wire or is there a device that the main wire can plug into that will let me hook other wires to it?

All that will be running off of it is the standard running lights and a trolly motor. No guages or anything else.

Answer 1

don't forget the fuses!

Answer 2

although quite expensive, try to use LED Lights as they use a fraction of the watts compared to halogen or other lights

Answer 3

Current Yacht Council standards should be referenced. I think they recommend no more than 2 or 3 taps directly from the battery. All should have a fuse immediately after the battery.

Best set up is Battery to BUS/Distribution bar for the Neg side and Small fuse panel for POS side in your case.

Answer 4

yuo can hook all wires right on battery post use fuse links or fuses though

Answer 5

You'll need marine grade wire of the proper guage, splice connectors and some sort of connection to the battery that can be as simple as a ring terminal that will fit the battery terminal bolts.  

You should also have a switch for the running lights of a proper value to carry the load that the lights will require.  I would add an in-line fuse to the light circuit just to guard against a short circuit in case any of the wiring is damaged - mount it near the battery.

You'll need a tool to strip the wire ends for the splices / terminals and to crimp them in place as well.

The trolling motor should be a matter of attaching alligator clips to the batter terminals - these should already be on the motor wiring, ready to attach.

Don't overlook wire ties to neaten up the package and keep wires out of harm's way.

Good luck.

Answer 6

YES  IT  IS  CALLED  A  FUSE  BOARD THE  BATTERY  GOES  IN  AND  ALL  THE  REST  COME  OUT  EACH  ITEM  HAS  IT,S  OWN  FUSE !