Which battery cables? 50hp Mariner

willyc83 · 13 April 2016, 16:34

Hi all,

I want to replace the old cables running from the battery to my 50hp Mariner 2 stroke, but I don't want to pay the £9 a metre my local chandlers want.

Can anyone recommend a cheaper option?

Thanks,

Will

matata · 13 April 2016, 16:38

Go to your local welding supplier and they'll make up a pukka set for you for buttons. Depending on the length of run go for a decent gauge. It makes such a difference. Nik

willyc83 · 13 April 2016, 16:39

Thanks Nik. Anything I should be particularly looking out for? A particular diameter etc.

jwalker · 13 April 2016, 16:41

Yep, Machine Mart sell good quality jump leads, one is red and the other black which is nice. They have two types which will do for you, one is 3.5mts x 41mm section and the other is 4.5mts and 54mm section. £23.98 and £35.98 respectively.

matt h · 13 April 2016, 16:50

25 mm welding cable is the correct dia. I normally pay 28 for 7 metres

Pikey Dave · 13 April 2016, 16:56

Personally I'd look for tinned cables in addition to the correct size.
Cross sectional area (csa) is also dependant on length- longer the cable, bigger the CSA needs to be.

Sh1t happens

willyc83 · 13 April 2016, 17:10

Thanks all. Just phoned local welders and asked if they could make up battery cables from welding cable and the guy had no idea what I was on about. Might have to be Machine Mart then...

two stroke mick · 13 April 2016, 17:12

I too would look for tinned cable. I would not use non tinned cable for this purpose. But I agree it is very expensive.

Maximus · 13 April 2016, 17:17

I've never used Tinned on the big stuff,on the smaller diameter wiring it makes sense but ...its such a big hunk of copper you'll be fine and will last for many years!
Just go Big don't skimp and it'll be fine

willyc83 · 13 April 2016, 17:25

Thanks all!

matt h · 13 April 2016, 18:46

Quote:

Personally I'd look for tinned cables in addition to the correct size.
Cross sectional area (csa) is also dependant on length- longer the cable, bigger the CSA needs to be.

Noooo PD The guy said he's on a budget hence its not worth mentioning.25mm is perfect for that application.

willyc83 · 13 April 2016, 20:10

Thanks Matt. In all honesty my rib isn't nice enough to spend heaps on - hence me scrounging a bit!

Pikey Dave · 13 April 2016, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt h

Noooo PD The guy said he's on a budget hence its not worth mentioning.25mm is perfect for that application.

Ah well! You know me, I like to do a proper job 😏

Sh1t happens

falcon0310 · 13 April 2016, 23:39

go to electrical wholesaler and ask for try rated singles
i should know as do it for job
about 3 meter

Pikey Dave · 14 April 2016, 06:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt h

Noooo PD The guy said he's on a budget hence its not worth mentioning.25mm is perfect for that application.

Hardly going to break the bank in the big scheme of things, a lot cheaper than a tank of fuel
http://kojaycat.co.uk/epages/9500004...Tinned-0001%22

Sh1t happens

matt h · 14 April 2016, 08:16

]Hardly going to break the bank in the big scheme of things, a lot cheaper than a tank of fuel

True. Why dont you offer to buy it for him as it may break his bank but not yours possibly PD?

beamishken · 14 April 2016, 08:38

I fitted welding cable to our little rib about 12 years ago and it's never failed I soldered the cables so the solder transmitted a little way up the cable then heat shrinked the outer rubber sheath to the terminal so I doubt much water gets up the cable
And tbh how long do you want it to last?

steco1958 · 14 April 2016, 09:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt h

]Hardly going to break the bank in the big scheme of things, a lot cheaper than a tank of fuel

True. Why dont you offer to buy it for him as it may break his bank but not yours possibly PD?

VanillaIceCream · 14 April 2016, 23:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by willyc83

Thanks all. Just phoned local welders and asked if they could make up battery cables from welding cable and the guy had no idea what I was on about. Might have to be Machine Mart then...

That shouldn't matter that they don't understand, just give them the specs..ie: length, size, lugs, etc...

I used to work in a welding supply store, we sold more welding cable for non-welding devices than for the welders.

Erik

beamishken · 14 April 2016, 23:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanillaIceCream

That shouldn't matter that they don't understand, just give them the specs..ie: length, size, lugs, etc...

I used to work in a welding supply store, we sold more welding cable for non-welding devices than for the welders.

Erik

That's exactly right I prefer to just buy the cables and solder the terminal lugs on then the solder acts as a water block if you heat shrink between the lug and terminal then water can't get in