Is 8ga wire enough for a starting circuit?

Joined
Mar 14, 2015
Messages
7
I'm adding a battery to a Glastron with a VP 3.0 4 cylinder. I bought. Perko switch and wires from a local boat shop. They sold me 8ga wire and said this would be perfect. the wires that are already installed look similar if not a little bigger? Thanks for any help.
 

NYBo

Admiral
Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Messages
7,107
Sounds too small to me. Even my 85 HP outboard has 6 gauge cables.

CORRECTION: 4 gauge. That's also what Bayliner used on the I/O models in '88.
 
Last edited:

StingrayMike

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 17, 2014
Messages
355
8 does seam abit small, but how far a run is It? if it is short, then 8 might be ok, but I would go with 6 or 4.
 
Joined
Mar 14, 2015
Messages
7
Thanks for the help. I found some script under the heat shrink that wasn't faded and it's definitely 4ga. Not even close to what I have. Dang. Thanks for the help. It's seemed small to me but I'm new to boats.
 

Grandad

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 7, 2011
Messages
1,504
Yes, #8 is too small. There's 2 issues to consider. Too often, wire is sized to simply survive the particular application. In this case, you want your starter to have full voltage for fast, efficient, starts. - Grandad
 
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