Coupler for Middle of Outboard Starter Cable

[HJ51]

I have to take my outboard off when I trailer my sailboat, which is heavy but manageable. What really slows me down is that the electrical starter cables are permanently attached to the motor which means I have to remove them from the batteries and thread them through the exit holes in the cockpit lockers and out the scupper holes in the transom, and they barely squeeze through so it takes a lot of time and effort.

I would like to be able to uncouple these wires somewhere near the motor itself and leave the rest of them attached to the batteries and threaded through the appropriate holes. Is there a device or coupler for that purpose? Not sure what gauge they are, but pretty thick: about the diameter of jumper cables.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

[Siberianhusky]

Take a look at Anderson power pole connectors, thing is you would need to find somebody with the tool to do a proper crimp.
Not sure what the starting amperage would be but I imagine the 75 amp ones would be enough.
Many similar connectors out there, problem you will run into with most of them is crimping them on, not worth buying the tool for 4 crimps.
Not even 100% sure what type of business you could call and ask, some kind of industrial electrician maybe? They might be able to crimp on some type of connector they use in the field.
Now you got me thinking, I have to go through the same process as you every fall/spring. My outboard comes off for the winter and is stored indoors/heated.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, HJ.

You might try Welding Cable Connectors (2 Each, Male & Female)
➥ http://www.grainger.com/category/wel...ecatalog/N-q0v

[HJ51]

Thanks guys. Anderson looks like the ticket. I talked to them and they even have some waterproof versions.

[tenchiki]

I used trolling motor connectors on mine.

[Siberianhusky]

Do trolling motor connectors have enough capacity?
Heaviest ones I found were 10 guage, the wires on my 9.9 are much bigger than that. I'd be worried about starting current through those thin wires.

[tenchiki]

The one I used takes 8ga wires (and has a 6ga adapter available). Trolling motors usually draw 50amps+.
My 8hp electric start has a 10amp fuse, so it's only the length of the run that wants bigger wires.
Here's a link to the one that I use:
MARINCO ConnectPro Trolling Motor Plug & Receptacle | West Marine
though I have problems keeping the socket from rotating (though I only disconnect a couple of times a year)

[Siberianhusky]

Ok that is much different than what I found, that is more like a shore power twistlock.
No crimping involved with those, just a screwdriver.

[paulajayne]

Have a look at fork lift truck battery connectors