What would you do? Temporary auto grade cables.

[NOTW]

Hey guys, I'm fairly new to boating and realized I made a mistake when adding an additional battery to my boat. I added a battery switch that allows you to use battery 1, battery 2 or battery 1+2. The mistake that I made was I used auto grade 4 gauge battery cables from Autozone rather than using marine grade cables because I had no idea that it was necessary to use marine grade. So I've ordered new marine grade cables, but they won't be here until after the holiday weekend. I'm wanting to get some boating in this weekend and wanted to see what everyone thought about if I were to go out a day or two using the Autozone cables. They are brand new, the batteries are both brand new, there's not corrosion and the batteries stay dry. I personally don't see a short term issue with using the Autozone cables until my marine grade cables get here, but wanted to get some expert opinions. One cable is 48" long and the other is 40" long and connect between the battery switch and battery. Also, the lake I'm going to isn't huge or anything so don't think I'm planning to go way out in the Ocean or a great lake. The boat is a Sea Ray 220 Bowrider with a 350 Magnum MerCruiser. What are your thoughts?

 

[JoLin]

Re: What would you do? Temporary auto grade cables.

As long as the cables are heavy enough for the load, there's no short-term issue. The reason for 'marine grade' in this case is corrosion resistance, and composition of the sheathing to better withstand water, oil, temp conditions relative to a boat.

Replace them when it's practical/convenient to do so.

My .02

 

[fish_on_the_deck]

Re: What would you do? Temporary auto grade cables.

Replace them when it's practical/convenient to do so.

Yup. Go use your boat... they are fine for short term use, even years under the right conditions (ie not exposed to chemicals, sized correctly, terminals protected, etc).

Change the cables out whenever you get them, but don't not use the boat because they havent arrived yet.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What would you do? Temporary auto grade cables.

Ayuh,... Go for it, No Problem...

Btw,...
My battery cables are all built from Welding Cable....

 

[JustJason]

Re: What would you do? Temporary auto grade cables.

Ayuh,... Go for it, No Problem...

Btw,...
My battery cables are all built from Welding Cable....

Yep, heavy cable is heavy cable. When I make up battery cables I use car stereo amplifier wire (think monster cable) of the appropriate gauge.

 

[SweeperForce]

Re: What would you do? Temporary auto grade cables.

No Fear, I am using Steetwire 4 gauge from the battery to the motor. And 8 gauge going under the dash into a distubution terming strip powering my instruments.

Tom

 

[rwidman]

Re: What would you do? Temporary auto grade cables.

Hey guys, I'm fairly new to boating and realized I made a mistake when adding an additional battery to my boat. I added a battery switch that allows you to use battery 1, battery 2 or battery 1+2. The mistake that I made was I used auto grade 4 gauge battery cables from Autozone rather than using marine grade cables because I had no idea that it was necessary to use marine grade. So I've ordered new marine grade cables, but they won't be here until after the holiday weekend. I'm wanting to get some boating in this weekend and wanted to see what everyone thought about if I were to go out a day or two using the Autozone cables. They are brand new, the batteries are both brand new, there's not corrosion and the batteries stay dry. I personally don't see a short term issue with using the Autozone cables until my marine grade cables get here, but wanted to get some expert opinions. One cable is 48" long and the other is 40" long and connect between the battery switch and battery. Also, the lake I'm going to isn't huge or anything so don't think I'm planning to go way out in the Ocean or a great lake. The boat is a Sea Ray 220 Bowrider with a 350 Magnum MerCruiser. What are your thoughts?

You will be fine. The difference in marine wire is more, smaller strands to increase flexibility, tin plating of each strand to reduce corrosion, and better insulation. You will be fine using the boat and waiting to install the new cables when it's convenient.