Mercury 30hp 2 stroke 1995

What is the cable gauge for the cables to the cranking battery?

Pappy said:

Factory cables are probably around 6ga or so. If making your own it never hurts to go to a larger ga. as it carries the electrical load better. Those little electrons only run on the outside of a conductor so the more wires and gauge size the better!
There are many charts out there for 12V load vs. wire ga. when wiring a boat. When measuring always measure the complete circuit not just one way. If in doubt always go to the larger size cable.

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Thanks Pappy, I'm going to put the cranking battery in the bow storage & use 6 gauge tinned copper.

Not sure. but I think the longer the distance the heavier the cable. Since you're running the cable from the bow to the stern you may need to go to a larger cable gauge.

alask83 said:

Thanks Pappy, I'm going to put the cranking battery in the bow storage & use 6 gauge tinned copper.

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If you run in any chop or rough seas, you could damage your battery. Batteries don' t like harsh jostling, one reason they are not often found in front. Just some food for thought !!

airshot said:

If you run in any chop or rough seas, you could damage your battery. Batteries don' t like harsh jostling, one reason they are not often found in front. Just some food for thought !!

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That is well understood, battery in a box with foam padding strapped down. Chop is a slow zone for me.

It's a small engine to crank so I don't think it matter all that much, however as mentioned above, go with heavier stuff. If you had a real long run you'd want something think for sure, but I've got cheap assed jumper cables that feel like wire hager.