Speaking of jumper cables for boats...
Anybody know of a manfuacturer who makes marinized jumper cables? |
Short
Jun 15
|
| I imagine they would as well, especially if you left them dipped in
the brine all the time, with no maintenance |
Jun 15
|
| When I wired up my boat in 1989 I used the blue soft rubber style
welding cable for a battery cable from the console to the motor on a
pontoon boat. This is not a dry location on a boat you take out in the
gulf. The wire itself was just fine with (die) compression barrel
lugs. the insulation failed wherever the sunlight hit it. I replaced
them in 2002 and everywhere else the insulation was fine. I think a
set of welding cable jumper cables would last forever if you didn't
drop them in the salt water or store them in the bilge. |
gfretwell
Jun 15
|
| Wouldn't having a 2nd battery on board with an A/B switch be more reliable
than waiting for a jump from a passing boat? The cost for quality 20 foot
jump cables is probably about the same as the extra battery and switch
setup. The other option would be to carry a 12v emergency power pack. The downside of both those options is the cost of maintenance and
replacement. However, you are not relying on someone else to get you out of
an emergency. |
JimH
Jun 15
|
| That might be a better deal. You could take it to your truck when you
were not in the water if you trailer. Might save you at the ramp if
you left your lights on ;-) |
gfretwell
Jun 15
|
| Well, Out on the water, it's best to have as many options as you can. I
not only have dual batteries, but a 1 KW genset also. Nevertheless, the
cables are there as a another layer of redundancy.
JR
|
JR
Jun 15
|
|
Regular wire will corrode all the way up the insulation if it EVER
gets immersed in salt water. The wire that is tinned all the way will
not but it is insanely expensive. Maybe regular wire that is kept out
of the water will last long enough. |
Jun 15
|
| Like I said. Spend 40 bucks on a good set, use it for 5 years or until
they corrode and then replace them, kind of like a fire extinguisher.
In the mean time, keep them out of the water as much as possible. Like
I said, good jumpers can be bought with great flow, and weather
resistance. The ones in my blazer have been through towing (as utility
on wrecker) for years in the 80's, both of my jeeps, and lots of
outdoor living. They are still the best cables I ever had, I think we
bought them at the towing supply down in Hartford, Jar-dan or
something like that. Anyway, my point is why make em' when you can buy
em' just as good, if not better than homemade. Even if you do have
easy access to welding wire and clips. But carry on, it is an
important discussion. |
Jun 15
|
| All true but you can avoid most of the issues by sealing the end with
glue filled heat shrink tubing, overlapping the insulation and tinned
portion of the wire. |
Wayne.B
Jun 15
|
| Correction, it was JerrDan distributor, wrecker supplies. |
Jun 15
|
| I've had a set of 00ga 20 footers in the MaXum for 17 years. Keep them
in one of those blanket/comforter bags that seal at the top. Hauled them
out a month ago to steam clean the engine bay, and found only light
surface rust on the clamps. Still work good, spring tension, etc.
Pony up for the long 00 guage set. Very important for the length req for
jumping a boat.
My .02
JR
|
JR
Jun 14
|
| Thanks. >My .02 Duly noted. |
Short
Jun 15
|
| Make em. You will have to buy the #0 guage tinned wire and it is
expensive. Best I found was about $3.00/ft on e-bay. |
Jun 14
|
| Go to a welding supply store and look at the size cables they have. Welding
leads make the best jumper cables. Very high current carrying and very
flexible. |
Calif
Jun 15
|
| Yep, I had a set made for welding cable. Expensive though. |
jamesgangnc
Jun 15
|
| Yup, I used to run a wreckers and we had the boost cables from welding
cable. The whole more strands, more surface area, soft, etc. However,
I now use store bought cables from a good parts store in both
vehicles. There are manufacturers out there who are making great
cables for these applications, you don't need to make them anymore ;)
You might spend 40-50 bucks but you can get real good cables
"storebought" now. |
Jun 15
|
| And will corrode nicely in a salt water environment. |
Jun 15
|
| What kind of wire do you suggest? |
D.Duck
Jun 15
|
| 00 welding wire is a good bet. You avoid the corrosion issue by
tinning the ends with solder before attaching the clips. |
Wayne.B
Jun 15
|
