Battery Cables

[alandav123]

Hi all, I am in the process of connecting up a battery used to start the lister SR2 twin engine in my open sea fishing boat.

There is no alternator and its unlikely one will get fitted so I plan to use a 12 volter van battery and take it off periodically for charging, as there is no recharging when engine runs.

I plan to use those quick release battery terminals to save messing about with spanners and my main question is this.....

Can I substitue the rather heavy duty ( stiff and stubborn) cables already fitted for some jump leads I have spare, they are much more malliable and easy to get along with. They are also very long which allows positioning of the battery almost anywhere and easy stowing away of cables when required.
The ones on there now are very unforgiving and a pain.

I do understand the jumpers may not handle a high current for long cranking periods but I dont really see myself endlessly cranking the lister over.

Your thoughts are very welcome.

Regards Alan

 

[bazobeleza]

Look for welding cable, min 35mm2 much much more flexible than the 7 strand copper. Its easily obtainable and easy to work. terminals can be bought on ebay and crimped or soldered on.

 

[VicS]

Welding cable is an option but in an open boat you might like to consider tinned cable as that will resist corrosion.
It is expensive though.
Marine suppliers include Merlin Powerstore but check Furneaux Riddall. If they have it they will be less expensive.

 

[DownWest]

The shorter the better for battery cables. Quite a lot of cheap jumpers are ally and really not much good for regular starting. Does your SR2 have valve lifters? If so, gang them together and if the battery is low, spin it up with them engaged then release them to start. Much less load on the battery, esp if a bit discharged from no charging system...
Really good engine.
A

 

[alandav123]

Hi all, yes there are decompressors on both pots, and yes it spins much easier when they are opened.

I just bought a new starter for her, a lister one was mega bucks but a Rover 218/418 d & TD fits straight one and costs much less.
Fitted starter today and she started up real easy.

Alan