battery cable gauge?

[boatman37]

What is a rule of thumb on battery cable gauge? Boat is a 1986 Sundancer. Positive cables are maybe 7 or 8 feet. Negatives maybe 3 or 4 feet? 2 or 4 gauge? Does it matter? Or would the 2 gauge be better?

 

[Captn TJ]

2 gauge for me on both

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

Potential current draw x length of circuit.

 

[Bt Doctur]

some starters pull 200 A for starting so I`d go 1/0 or 2/0 size

 

[JVM225]

I’d go with 1/0 tinned copper if you are replacing it all. Better to be too big than too small.

 

[boatman37]

Have to try to see whats on there but seems pretty thick like maybe 2 gauge. Don't mind going too thick but want some flexibility too so I can tuck everything away.

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

Go with a custom cable cut to length and route it like you want, so there is nothing to tuck away. Marine battery cable is going to be low strand count, so its not going to be very flexible.