Best Wire Price

[a64pilot]

In installing both my Solar and a Windlass I need to buy a bunch of #2 marine wire, as in almost 200 ft total.
Any good sources?

[Bill Seal]

Try these guys

www.Genuinedealz.com

[Cheechako]

#2 or 2-0?

[HappyMdRSailor]

Daaaaaang Mr. Pilot!

#2 for your panels.... Sounds like your solar array could make you some serious cash selling back the surplus at the dock...

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

#2 or 2-0?

#2 ga.


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[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by HappyMdRSailor

Daaaaaang Mr. Pilot!



#2 for your panels.... Sounds like your solar array could make you some serious cash selling back the surplus at the dock...

It's just 750W, but long run to controller, and I'm wiring them in parallel, so lower voltage, bigger wire.
I'd like to wire in series, I think they don't get much shading where they are, but have been advised I'm better off wiring in Parallel.
Lot of money in wire though.


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[Cap Erict3]

Where did u find space for 750w of solar on a IP 38?


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Looking for another pretty place to work on the boat.

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

It's just 750W, but long run to controller, and I'm wiring them in parallel, so lower voltage, bigger wire.
I'd like to wire in series, I think they don't get much shading where they are, but have been advised I'm better off wiring in Parallel.
Lot of money in wire though.


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Series can still make sense if you are using an MPPT controller! If it does make sense, the difference in wire price can offset the cost of an MPPT controller.

[SVTatia]

I got mine at Greg's - good prices, good service.

https://gregsmarinewiresupply.com/Zen/

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Cap Erict3

Where did u find space for 750w of solar on a IP 38?


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Looking for another pretty place to work on the boat.

I get asked that a lot, and I don't understand why.
I have a 3.1 M dinghy hanging in davits on my stern, that's 10.2' of course.
250W panels are 39" wide, say 40 by the time you get them in a frame and all, but it's still just 10' wide, which is slightly less than the dingy is without a motor. Panels are 65" long, dinghy has a 68" beam. So my dinghy just hangs in the shade now, but the panels are slightly smaller than the dinghy so I'm taking up no extra space with the panels.

I could easily put two more on the Bimini which takes me to 1250W, but that's another controller and a lot more $ in wire. I may put one more on the Bimini as my Outback 80 can handle a Kilowatt.

Now aesthetically, I can see how some would say it looks horrible, that I have ruined the lines of the boat, but as I said the panels occupy no more space than the dinghy and I need and want the power

[a64pilot]

Greg's beats Genuinedealz, wild card I guess is shipping?

I am running an MPPT controller, but have been advised due to inevitable shading, I'll get more power on average if I wire parallel. I only want to do this once and I guess most conservative is run big cable to minimize the loss.

[pcmm]

you might find that #2 is a bit light for windlass wiring unless the motor is low draw. Check your total run, to me looks like you might be wiring for 10% voltage loss which is a lot for a windlass!

[pcmm]

try these guys:

2 AWG Gague Marine Battery Cable Tinned Copper USA Made Boat Wiring

I haven't ordered anything from them but their prices look really good!

[a64pilot]

Greg's has them beat at $235 for 100'
They are $245 which is still a lot better than WM

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by pcmm

you might find that #2 is a bit light for windlass wiring unless the motor is low draw. Check your total run, to me looks like you might be wiring for 10% voltage loss which is a lot for a windlass!

Maxwell installation manual says I'm good for a one way run of 23' with 2ga for the VWC 1500, 1200W motor, I'm going to probably be close to 20', think I should go up a gauge?