Size of Wire For 50 HP Battery Cable

[Bconley56]

Hello, hopefully someone will be able to help me. I have a 50 hp tiller control Yamaha 2 stroke on an 18/56 Weldbilt Duck Boat. While fishing the other evening the battery cable got between the motor and the transom mount and cut the battery cable and when I started the engine the battery cable started smoking and the battery shorted out causing a small fire. However, the battery cable above the cut is fine, the motor starts and runs, trim works and every thing is good. I need to know what size of wire to get to lengthen the battery cable. I only have 8 inches coming out of the tiller handle. I can join the wire and put end connectors on new wire. I don't want to spend $110-$140 for a new battery cable when all I need to do is join and add about 3 feet to reach the battery. I am already having to buy a new starting battery.

I know the motor works and trim works because I had to connect another battery to the motor via jumper cables to trim the motor up and to start the motor to check it for problems.

Thanks in advance,

Bruce

[TownsendsFJR1300]

I would think you could measure a piece (the diameter) of what you have and go from there...It may be printed on the cable itself...

I personally would replace the whole cable. Not necessarily Yamaha OEM but at a battery specific shop(like "Interstate"), they custom made cables with ends, etc and wasn't expensive.

*I'd go with OEM, purchased here (above in RED under "Purchase Yamaha Parts"). Their a bit cheaper in price (it'll be the last cable you replace if routed correctly) and you don't have to worry about a failure in the middle of no-where...

Good luck, you were very lucky..

[boscoe99]

Yep, just measure the existing cable and find the closest next up size if you can't get an exact match. A butt connector crimped, then soldered, covered with heat shrink, should do the job.

[Bconley56]

Got it fixed...

Guy at the local electric supply match the wire, put ends on, and joined together also put shrink wrap on... Total cost less than $20.00