How to Convert a 12V Boat to a 24 Volt

The change from a 12-volt system on your boat to a 24-volt system is neither as difficult nor as traumatic as you might think. The necessary changes are no more dramatic than changing a flat tire on your car or replacing a battery and headlight bulbs. The major changes come if you choose to install electronic equipment, such as VHF radios. Instead of shopping for 12VDC equipment, your purchases will include 24-volt equipment and 12-24VDC switchable equipment.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench
  • 24-volt navigation lightbulbs
  • 24-volt marine battery
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open the battery box. Remove the nut from the negative battery cable with an adjustable wrench. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery post. Remove the nut from the positive battery cable.

    • 2

      Replace all 12-volt navigation lightbulbs with 24-volt navigation lightbulbs.

    • 3

      Place a 24-volt marine battery in the boat's battery box. Place the ring connector of the red, positive battery cable on the positive post of the battery. Replace and tighten the positive battery post nut. Place the ring connector of the black, positive battery cable on the negative post of the battery. Replace and tighten the negative battery post nut.