At the risk of sounding like an idiot, I would appreciate simple instructions on how to re-wire a very basic aluminum fishing boat. I bought the boat used, and the original owner did some type of D-I-Y wiring job that I would like to replace. I've looked at the diagrams here, but they are overly complicated for my needs. I have no electric start motor, instrument panels, horns, stereos, etc.
The previous owner cut into some type of thick, gray industrial-looking cable that has several individually insulated wires inside surrounded by some type of metallic shield. Where he cut it, he added terminal connections on each individual wire, which are then connected to the positive post of the battery with a bolt/wingnut. One uninsulated wire from inside this cable runs to the negative post. This cable is then connected to another piece of the same type of cable using a pinned connector with a screw-down collar. This section of cable is wired directly to an old, very rusted terminal block screwed onto the transom, and there are three or four fuses (5 amp glass-type) connected to this terminal block in a separate fuse holder.
All I really want to do is upgrade this wiring to run a fishfinder, navigation lights, and maybe some type of courtesy light. My bilge pump is a sponge and bucket, and I have no livewell. The trolling motor is run from a separate battery.
Having no experience, I am asking for opinions on what equipment I will need. The wiring itself should be simple. I've read enough here to understand the importance of using good tinned wire, making good connections, heat shrink tubing, etc. I'm just not sure what type of terminal block, circuit breaker/fuse panel, bus bar, etc. that I should use.
Thank you.
The previous owner cut into some type of thick, gray industrial-looking cable that has several individually insulated wires inside surrounded by some type of metallic shield. Where he cut it, he added terminal connections on each individual wire, which are then connected to the positive post of the battery with a bolt/wingnut. One uninsulated wire from inside this cable runs to the negative post. This cable is then connected to another piece of the same type of cable using a pinned connector with a screw-down collar. This section of cable is wired directly to an old, very rusted terminal block screwed onto the transom, and there are three or four fuses (5 amp glass-type) connected to this terminal block in a separate fuse holder.
All I really want to do is upgrade this wiring to run a fishfinder, navigation lights, and maybe some type of courtesy light. My bilge pump is a sponge and bucket, and I have no livewell. The trolling motor is run from a separate battery.
Having no experience, I am asking for opinions on what equipment I will need. The wiring itself should be simple. I've read enough here to understand the importance of using good tinned wire, making good connections, heat shrink tubing, etc. I'm just not sure what type of terminal block, circuit breaker/fuse panel, bus bar, etc. that I should use.
Thank you.
