I work at a boat store during the summer, it's lame, but let me give a small tidbit of advice. Also I am an EE (among other majors) student.

Get tinned copper for the wiring. It is copper wire, with tin melted/bonded to it. The tin prevents the copper from oxidizing and absorbing water.

This is crucial in wet/salty marine enviornments, where electrolysis occurs, and corrosion is a big problem.

I don't know where to find it, except at a boat store, but ask for it by name at whatever your source is.

Also, crimps that big are usually called "swages" and you might need a swageing tool.

-PHiZ