Electrical - Starting over anew!

[frankk]

OK folks, I bought a Winter project. It is a 1975 Lil Hobo, 18' camper style of boat. Not too much touched since 1975 but an engine swap. The outboard was replaced by a 1987 Johnson probably 5 years ago and all works fine. Starting with a possibly new floor (we will find out in 3 weeks when I pull her)... I am looking at installing an internal tank and outside deck fill. That of course leads me to bonding of the deck fill to the tank and then to a ? I don't see a common bonding conductor. Seems like this will be a #8 wire or, should I do something different? Looking at a spongy floor (or at least between the stringers...) I may be looking at a re-do of everything. Should I install a common bonding conductor on the starboard side (easy), run it above the waterline (meets the 12" rule) but... with what material? I am thinking of EMT conduit, #8 wire, or what? I can also make a run using large loops of cable-ties to house the + and - 12VDC to the console (that I will probably have to remake as well). So... lots of questions on the horizon but the common bonding conductor has me puzzled. Oh.... here is a picture of Too Cute.. Frank in Antioch, IL http://electronicinstrument.com/boating/toocute/toocute.jpg

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electrical - Starting over anew!

Don't overthink the "bonding" thing. Bonding and device grounds are two different circuits even though they end up at the same place eventually. The filler neck does not need a #8 wire. #16 is fine, green, to the fuel gauge sender housing (not the sender terminal) then to the tank itself if metal, then to the negative post on the battery. Every ground and bonding connection eventually ends up there. Protecting any wiring on a boat is an owners choice but EMT conduit would not be one of them. Flexible split tubing, plastic tubing, etc., would be more appropriate. If you really intended to say common ground BUSS then there are a multitude of devices available to provide a ground point for accessories.

 

[frankk]

Re: Electrical - Starting over anew!

Thanks, I was thinking of the EMT as the common bonding conductor, not as the tubing to encapulate the wiring lol. Appreciate the assistance.

 

[Grandad]

Re: Electrical - Starting over anew!

Thanks, I was thinking of the EMT as the common bonding conductor, not as the tubing to encapulate the wiring lol. Appreciate the assistance.

Avoid using ferris metal wherever possible to avoid rust and corrosion. This is particularly important when you're considering the common bond conductor. As Silvertip has said, just use a minimum #16 stranded wire and run it through (plastic?) raceway protection where exposed to mechanical injury. And yes, bond the deck fill fitting, too. - Grandad