Author Topic: Need Advice:wiring jonboat for lights (Read 2143 times)

outdoorman · « **on:** November 06, 2005, 08:22:58 AM »

Wiring my jonboat for lights:need advice

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I've decided to try some night fishing and want to wire running lights.
I have never wired a vehicle or boat before and appreciate any advice given. Just don't think you will offend me with keeping it in terms a novice would understand.
Currently my 12 ft boat has 12 marine battery that powers my 30lb.thrust trolling motor.

Thanks

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2005, 10:02:33 AM »

Why not keep it simple, just use the clamp on battery powered lights instead? That way you don't run down the trolling motor battery. It's what I do.

jgalar · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2005, 05:41:45 PM »

The wiring gets in your way in a jon boat even when neatly done. As Greybeard said just do the clamp on battery lights.

outdoorman · « **Reply #3 on:** November 08, 2005, 02:21:13 AM »

I've seen the clamp on lights and just wasnt impressed with their look.
But if this gets too difficult, I will go with them.

Graybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** November 08, 2005, 06:40:36 AM »

Why do you care how they look? You only use them at night and only need them attached then. They do work and work fine. Adding wiring to an open jonboat without the platforms and such to keep it covered is a real pain and keeping it out of the way is near impossible. Not a task I envy you if you insisit on pursuing it.

willysjeep134 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2006, 08:35:15 AM »

You can get this stuff called two stranded lamp cord. What I did was buy a set of running lights and mount them, the mounting instructions are on the package. Then, I put a small battery charger clamp on both of the two strands of wire in the lamp cord. Then, I attached the other ends of the wires to my running lights. All I did then was zip-tie the lamp cord to my gunwale, and turn on the lights by attaching the battery clamps. You could hardwire the cord into the same clamps your trolling motor uses and install a switch too, but I didn't bother.

PS: I bought white lamp cord, which I think looks pretty good ziptied up to the gunwale rail on a small boat.

RF · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2006, 12:40:12 PM »

I ran a piece of PVC conduit right alongside the gunwale. Blends right in being about the same diameter of the gunwale itself. On the front deck, I mounted a flush fit socket for a removeable bow light....one of those on an extended stalk. No switch or anything...when the battery is hooked up, the socket is "hot". So all I have to do is plug the light into the socket.

Same way with my stern light. When the battery is installed in the boat, the stern light socket is hot. Doesn't matter so long as the stern light isn't plugged in.

For my other accessories such as spotlights etc, I just have regular outdoor type household outlets, but wired for 12 vdc. 2 in the back of the boat and 2 in the front.