Electrical cabeling question

[Navatech]

My boat (46'6" SF) has the 32 volt system (2 banks of 4 x 8 volt batteries). The cables connecting the batteries in series as well as the cables connecting the batteries to the main 32 volt panel are missing. In addition, the cables running to the engines are welding cables rather then marine cables so I'm going to change those as well.

My question is what guage of marine cable I should get?

[Rawleigh]

I cannot tell you what gauge, but in calculating your run distance be sure to include the length of the ground cables.

[Bruce]

On the 46' it wasn't uncommon to see 2/0 cable on 32v.

Welding cable was common on boats 70's, 80's because it was more flexible and easier had. As long as its not corroded up into the insulation, keep it. Its strands were just smaller but more of them.

[IRGuy]

When I replaced my batteries and main switch panel in my B33 I used 2/0 welding cable exclusively.. I bought it at my local Batteries Plus store. All terminations were also bought there.. they had a great selection of cable terminals with compression fitting type attachments.. which I used exclusively.. over these I put sleeves of heat shrinked sealing material. The cables are very flexible, and water tight, and cost a lot less that 2/0 marine cable.

[Navatech]

Its strands were just smaller but more of them.

Marine wire has an additional difference: the individual strands are tinned...