Hooking up 12V DC in a aluminum boat

[Down South]

I’m sure this question has been asked before but all I need is a yes or no answer.
I have a solid aluminum boat (Jon Boat) that I’ll be hooking up 12V DC for a trolling motor, 2-12V cigarette sockets and running lights. Can I just ground the battery to the boat and then use the boat as a ground? This would save me from running a ground wire to each device.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hooking up 12V DC in a aluminum boat

Can I just ground the battery to the boat and then use the boat as a ground?

Absolutely NOT.........

Electrolisis will turn the hull into Dust in No Time.........

 

[steelespike]

Re: Hooking up 12V DC in a aluminum boat

Sensitive devices need their own ground.But you my be able to run a ground to an area and run other less sensitive grounds to it.As stated never use the boat as a ground.

 

[eastern27]

Re: Hooking up 12V DC in a aluminum boat

I?m sure this question has been asked before but all I need is a yes or no answer.
I have a solid aluminum boat (Jon Boat) that I?ll be hooking up 12V DC for a trolling motor, 2-12V cigarette sockets and running lights. Can I just ground the battery to the boat and then use the boat as a ground? This would save me from running a ground wire to each device.

You can't use the boat as a ground, for the reasons already posted. However, you don't have to run a ground from each device to a buss or battery. One wire for the small loads. Load to load, then to the buss or battery. Home runs for the positive side to a fused buss, or line fuses to the battery.

 

[Down South]

Re: Hooking up 12V DC in a aluminum boat

Thanks for the info guys. What you all have said is what I feared would happen but just wasn't sure. I'll ground everything back to the battery and leave the boat ungrounded.