Small Boat Wiring Information

Boat lights and related wiring are important if traveling on the water at dusk or night.

Having lighting on your boat, even on a small vessel, can save your from a collision with other boaters. It can also help make sure you're seen in poor visibility. The installation is fairly simple, and only requires basic electrical parts and wiring to handle a 12-volt system.

Planning

Depending on the boat size, using a full wiring diagram can help you avoid mistakes and problems after the fact. The diagram should plan out the position of the battery, how the wiring should run from source to component and back again. Color coding also helps keep the components separate from each other.

Compatibility

Depending on the equipment used on the boat, the proper voltage and amperage will need to be in place to operate correctly. Otherwise, a particular unit such as the radio could short out the whole system. It doesn't hurt to have the planning checked over by an electrician before beginning the installation.

Routing and Installation

While many components are designed to be seaworthy, they are only as good as the wiring that carries the electricity to them. Wiring can get banged up, exposed by friction, pinched or brittle with exposure. Tucking the wiring into protected areas lengthens its lifespan.

References

• Yachts and Sail Boats: All About Sail Boat Wiring
• Ed's Boat Tips: Boat Wiring
• John C. Payne: Understanding Boat Wiring
• Terry McIntyre: Small Boat Electrical System
• Pontoon Boat Wiring: Seal Competition