In a house splicing wire to wire is done by wire nuts. However, wire nuts must never be used on a boat. Joining conductor to conductor in marine applications is best accomplished through the use of insulated, solderless crimp-on connectors. They assure continuity of current and won't be pulled apart when flexed. The connection may be covered with electrical tape, but electrical tape, by itself, should never be used to join 2 conductors.
Water is also a factor and keeping it out of a boat's system is paramount.
Current-carrying conductors should be routed away from areas where water may accumulate. Following safety rules and using the finest marine electrical equipment and tools makes marine wiring relatively easy. Marinco, a leading manufacturer of marine electrical products, makes the products boaters need to tackle any marine electrical job. A Marinco dealer can help select parts suited for any boat. Bill Drake is Vice President of Engineering at Marinco.