Corroded wiring - how much is too much?

[UWDiver]

Hello All-
I just purchased a 1997 Aquasport 245 Explorer and few of the accessories work. I'm thinking a total re-wire is in the cards.
I'm starting at the bow nav lights and working aft. Everytime I strip some insulation off an existing wire, I see black. Not all black, just a good bit. My questions are these: How much is ok? Will establishing a good ground back to the batteries be a good place to start? Separate ground bars or just a fuse panel with ground?
Thanks for your help!
Chris

 

[dingbat]

Re: Corroded wiring - how much is too much?

Black is oxidation. You don't want any at all.

A friend of mine restored the same boat. He ended up replacing all the wiring on the boat.

 

[UWDiver]

Re: Corroded wiring - how much is too much?

Where did all the oxidation come from?
Salt?
Poor ground?

 

[Fisherball]

Re: Corroded wiring - how much is too much?

The air we breath is all it takes. Especially if kept in a humid environment.

 

[UWDiver]

Re: Corroded wiring - how much is too much?

I'm getting ready to begin the rewire process. On a 24' boat, can I wire everything (bilge pumps, lights, radios, GPS, etc.) with 16 gauge or should I do everything in 14? Since I'm buying long spools of wire, I'd like to stick to one gauge. Obviously, I'm not talking about battery cable and feeds/grounds to/from the helm.

 

[jimbo3123]

Re: Corroded wiring - how much is too much?

I'm getting ready to begin the rewire process. On a 24' boat, can I wire everything (bilge pumps, lights, radios, GPS, etc.) with 16 gauge or should I do everything in 14? Since I'm buying long spools of wire, I'd like to stick to one gauge. Obviously, I'm not talking about battery cable and feeds/grounds to/from the helm.

#16 Wire is rated for 10A, #14 is rated for 15A. I would definitely go for #14 for 12VDC service where high current draws are the norm.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Corroded wiring - how much is too much?

Virtually every circuit on a boat can be wired with 16 gauge. Big spot lights, motorized anchor winches, downriggers, and other high current items should all be on separate circuits and depending on current draw, length of the run, etc., may or may not required 14 gauge. Trolling motors are normally wired with 6 gauge wire.

 

[SKEETR]

Re: Corroded wiring - how much is too much?

Don't forget to shrink wrap the connector ends. Preserve your hard work. Actually the silicone tape is pretty nice too.

 

[belairbrian]

Re: Corroded wiring - how much is too much?

If you have any connections that need to be sealed make sure you use acid free sealant. Most RTV's contain acid which can cause corrosion to grow under the sealant. The vinegar smell is a sure sign of the acid curing process. There are acid free sealants. Auto parts stores sell them as sensor safe.

We used the acid free stuff from Dow chemicals for years when I worked on aircraft electronics.

 

[turbinedoctor]

Re: Corroded wiring - how much is too much?

I hope this goes without saying but I going to say it any how. Use marine grade wire and connectors only, as well as a good anticorrosion compound on all connections.

Durwood

 

[UWDiver]

Re: Corroded wiring - how much is too much?

So with heat shrink connectors, you apply the compound to the wires, put them in the connector, and apply heat? Do you crimp as well? Would then using liquid electrical tape be overkill?