How to Wire a Boat:
Complete Marine Electrical Wiring Guide

If you’re wondering how to wire your boat, our How-To Library has you covered. From understanding boat electronics to learning to wire a 12V switch, our step-by-step guides simplify marine wiring projects. Whether you’re troubleshooting, upgrading, or starting fresh, you’ll find expert boat wiring tips and tricks to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability. Designed for beginners and pros alike, our resources make wiring a boat straightforward and rewarding. Explore our guides today and confidently tackle any project. With the right advice, learning to wire your boat has never been easier!

How-To Wire A Boat

rocker switch wiring tutorials

Access our extensive collection of rocker switch wiring diagrams, featuring detailed explanations and how-to videos for various Carling switches. These resources are designed to assist in the proper installation and wiring of your boat’s electrical components.

Download switch diagrams

Explore New Wire Marine’s comprehensive switch wiring diagrams, featuring detailed guides for Carling rocker switches, Bluewater push buttons, and more. These resources provide clear instructions to ensure accurate and safe installations for your marine electrical projects.

download component diagrams

Download detailed component wiring diagrams, offering step-by-step instructions for connecting navigation/anchor lights, bilge pumps, trim tabs, and other specialized marine equipment. These guides ensure precise and safe installations for your boat’s electrical components.

how to wire a boat

Properly wiring your boat is crucial for safety and performance. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to wire a boat efficiently, ensuring a safe and long-lasting electrical system. Whether you’re installing new marine electronics or upgrading an existing system, follow this guide for expert wiring tips.

wire a bilge pump

We recommend an ON-OFF switch for small boat bilge pumps with a a separate fused feed to the float switch direct from the battery.  This makes sure your bilge pump is never accidentally shut of.  It also gives a visual indicator at the switch when the float switch is working.  View the complete guide here.

duplicating a panel

Often people want or need to mail their old switch panel in to have us duplicate a unique shape.  Here’s our guide on how to mail in your switch panel with good results.

bluewater 3-way switch

A step-by-step guide on how to Assemble and Wire a 3-Way Switch from Bluewater. This comprehensive tutorial covers the required materials, detailed assembly instructions, and wiring connections for a successful installation.

trim tab switch

A detailed guide on connecting boat trim tabs to a rocker switch, covering wiring steps, required tools, and tips for reliable operation.

NAV/ANC Switch

In this video wiring guide, we show a 7 terminal, VJD1-D66B rocker switch to operate a boat’s navigation and anchor lights. This common configuration a single switch is used for several lights. A Red and Green forward navigation light, and a white stern (or high point) light.

ON-OFF, SPST Rocker Switch

One of our most popular rocker switches, the V1D1-B60B is extremely common on boats as well as other vehicles. In this video we demonstrate it’s functionality and how to wire this rocker switch.

Timer Pod Kit Wiring

Watch how to wire a Timer Pod Kit. This timer pod is used to automate your livewell or aerator – Which we’ve taken and pre-assembled with everything you need to install it on your boat!

E-Panel Builder 101

Explore New Wire Marine’s exclusive E-Panel Help Center – Get expert advice on designing, ordering, and installing a custom E-Panel switch panels, this tool showcases our dedication to simplifying marine electrical solutions like no other!

Choose Wiring Packages

Watch our video on Wiring Packages For Your Panel: the Bare Panel for DIY wiring, Jumpers Only for easy reuse of existing connections, and the Fully Wired option for a hassle-free, ready-to-install solution. Perfect for upgrading or customizing your marine switch panel!

10-Terminal Wiring

In this video we will explore how to wire one of the most questioned rocker switches we sell. The VJD2 10 Terminal ON-OFF-ON latching rocker switch. This switch is most commonly used ad a NAV/ANC Switch when backlighting is needed. Follow along as Pam describes the switch, how it’s used and shows examples of how it can be used.