Renovation Guides

Pontoon Boat Wiring Tips Every Renovator Should Know

Pontoon Boat Wiring Tips Every Renovator Should Know

Restoring a pontoon boat is a rewarding DIY project with long-term benefits. A little planning upfront can save time and effort down the line (and get you out on the water faster!). 

Read on for the ultimate time-savers from West Michigan boating expert Tom, from Tom’s Toons, that will make your electrical setup faster and frustration-free.

Pre-Deck Boat Wiring Is a Game-Changer

Pro Tip: Run your electrical harness, throttle controls, and other cables before you lay down the decking. 

Having everything laid out and easily accessible simplifies your whole project by reducing installation time later in the process, eliminating the hassle of threading wires in tight spaces, and connecting components faster when finishing your boat. Having these items pre-run will still save time and headaches if they need to be adjusted toward the bow or stern mid-project.

Step-by-Step Boat Wiring Tips

1. Start with a Quality Electrical Harness

Use a pre-made harness (like the ones from PontoonStuff!). These include color codes that make connections simple:

  • Gray with green stripe: Navigation lights (bow)
  • Gray with black stripe: Docking lights
  • Orange with white stripe: Horn
  • Gray with blue stripe: Anchor or stern light
  • Brown with orange stripe: Bilge pump or accessory

2. Position Your Boat Cables

Getting these components set before decking eliminates the need to reach tough areas later. Lay out these components alongside your harness:

  • Shift throttle controls
  • Steering cable
  • Ignition harness

3. Secure Your Boat Wiring

Run your wires cleanly along the frame to their destination. See the list below for a guide:

  • Bow wires → forward to nav lights
  • Power & ground → back to the battery
  • Switch panel plug → console
  • Stern light wiring → rear of the boat

4. Double-Check Boat Electrical Placement

Make sure everything is routed properly and secured in place. Once you’re confident it’s right, you’re ready to install the deck.

Smooth Sailing For Your Pontoon Boat Restoration 

By taking a few extra minutes to pre-run your wires before laying the deck of your pontoon boat, you’ll make your entire restoration project a breeze.

For more tips and step-by-step guides, check out the full video series from Tom’s Toons and explore all the tools and supplies available from PontoonStuff.