Helping a friend plan a simple 12V electrical system for a small boat. What should we watch out for?
Hey everyone,
A friend asked me to help him think through a basic 12V electrical setup for a small boat, and before making any real decisions I’d like to understand the common mistakes and safety points.
The idea is something simple: battery, a few loads, switches, fuses, maybe navigation lights and a bilge pump.
For people who have worked on small boat electrical systems, what are the most important things to get right from the beginning?
I’m especially wondering about:
- fuse placement
- wire sizing
- battery isolation
- bilge pump circuits
- corrosion
- marine-grade components
- cable routing
- beginner mistakes that can become dangerous
I’m not looking to improvise or replace professional advice. I just want to understand the basics better before helping him plan anything.