need help!!

[tapsboy68]

Ihave a 19?? Crestliner 18 ft boat. There is some old wiring that is there right now, and I would like to re-wire everything myself and get it going this summer. I am an HVAC tech, but I'm not sure if this is up my alley and is possible, or if I should just pay someone else to do it. Has anyone done a wiring project similar to this, and if yes, could you let me know your opinion on how hard it was or if you let someone else do it for you?! Thanks

 

[jtexas]

Re: need help!!

we've all rewired our own boats - hey there's lots worse ways to spend a Saturday afternoon! I pulled out miles of wire, most of which wasn't even connected at either end.

Some good quality copper strand wire, fuse box, butt connectors, you no doubt have the tools, and if you're in a salt environment, go with the marine grade tinned wire & heat shrink.

Check out the basic diagrams at the top of this forum, and ask any specific question you think of.

welcome to the forum!

 

[External Combustion]

Re: need help!!

Tinned wire for sure, well worth the added expense. Solder and crimp all connectors followed with lined heat shrink tubing or mastic waterproofing tape to cover the splices or attachments. I keep a jar of orange shellac and put it on all joints and switches before the mastic goes on.

I have had only one circuit go bad when I took these precautions. The wire had been split open by an oarlock and the wire corroded in two in one season.

There have been other times that I berated myself for doing something "temporarily" and had it fail before the "temporary" fix was done right.

Step up one guage of wire from what is needed, Your battery drain will be less, your instuments work easier and you will be happier without knowing why.

Just some thoughts from down here in the Nations.

 

[drewpster]

Re: need help!!

I may be a nuts but I love to do wiring, especially DC. Do a little research before you get started. Buy a marine electrical book. You will be surprised exactly how much of the shade-tree stuff you may have learned wiring the old Camaro is not acceptable in a boat. It is not complicated but there are some differences.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: need help!!

This should help you get an understanding of basic (generic) boat wiring. Pretty basic stuff.