need longer wires

[Al Kungel]

I have a 8hp Yamaha 4 stroke and I need longer wires from the rectifier to the battery. The wires that came with the motor are approx 6 feet but unfortunately I need a another 5 feet. Can I add the additional 5 feet without affecting the charging of the battery?<br />---<br />AlK

 

[Triton II]

Re: need longer wires

ThomWV is the man to answer this, along with a host of other iboat electrical experts. My 0.02c worth is there'll be a marginal increase in resistance and you will lower the charging rate however it shouldn't be a problem. Use marine connectors to extend the charging cables or even better a waterproof junction box and high quality, low resistance cooper cable. In general though, especially with low output charging sytems as fitted to your motor, it's good practice to mount the battery as close to the motor as practical so the charging system can do its job efficiently.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: need longer wires

hello<br /> while I dont normaly reccomend spliceing that wire, it can be done. just be aware its now another maint issue and the splice must be tested occasionally. I reccomend making a new cable. most napa stores will make one up if you give them the lengnth. or you can buy the tinned cable ends and solder and make your own. <br /> the starter current draw on the 8 hp is not great and a #4 cable should hold for an 11 ft run with no worries.

 

[Al Kungel]

Re: need longer wires

Triton II,<br />Thanks for your advice.<br /><br />rodbolt,<br /> the starter current draw on the 8 hp is not great and a #4 cable should hold for an 11 ft run with no worries. <br />I probably wasn't to clear in my post, but my 8 hp Yamaha is not an electric start, but a rope start. The wires that I am referring to, are the charging wires (red and black look to be about 16 gauge) from the rectifier to the battery. The red wire has an in line 10 amp fuse.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: need longer wires

then a good splice for 6 more feet wont hurt

 

[Al Kungel]

Re: need longer wires

rodbolt,<br />Thank you.