wire for HB Si

[rnvinc]

Trying to get things ready in my head before dropping the dime on a Si...

I've already determined from posts here that I should run an independant set of wires from the HB Si to the battery (and run the wires on the opposite side of the boat from the TM battery wires)...

I have an 1860 Landau with batteries in the back and the Si will be on the bow....so about 20-22 ft length of wire to be run...

What size and type of wire should I use...??

[Humminbird_Greg]

The manual (well, depending on which unit you are getting) states to use 18 gauge multi-stranded copper wire. But for a 20 foot run I like to go up in wire gauge sizes and would recommend using a 16 gauge or larger. When I helped my Wife’s Nephew install his 997c Si unit (one of the benefits of working at Humminbird no doubt, is that you get to help install units your family buys! LOL!) we used an extension cord that he bought at Wal-Mart. It was a cheap source of 16 gauge wire and is still working well to this day (now he wants a 998c Si unit…). Just be sure to solder than insulate the wire to wire connections.

[Cane Pole]

The manual (well, depending on which unit you are getting) states to use 18 gauge multi-stranded copper wire. But for a 20 foot run I like to go up in wire gauge sizes and would recommend using a 16 gauge or larger. When I helped my Wife’s Nephew install his 997c Si unit (one of the benefits of working at Humminbird no doubt, is that you get to help install units your family buys! LOL!) we used an extension cord that he bought at Wal-Mart. It was a cheap source of 16 gauge wire and is still working well to this day (now he wants a 998c Si unit…). Just be sure to solder than insulate the wire to wire connections.

Funny. I get the same deal and I don't work for you big buck HB guys???

Be sure to Use the outdoor grade extension as it has UV protected cover insulation. Don't use the "brownie" type cord.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Good point about the outdoor variety extension cord. I don't use indoor type so did not even think about this.

[Barnacle Bill]

Figuring a 3 amp draw at 22 ft and 18 gauge wire the voltage drop would only be 0.869 VDC which is very good. With that said, I would still use 16 gauge as I tend to overdo things. BTW the voltage drop with 16 gauge is 0.55 VDC which is excellent.

[rnvinc]

Thanks guys....especially for the tip about using an outdoor extension cord....!!