Boat wiring ??

[Bait O' Eggs]

I intend to do some rewiring in my boat, and on my boat trailer.

I want to solder all joints and put shrink tube over it. I am tired of the crimp fittings breaking the wire over time, or coming loose. :mad: :mad:

Is it best to use the twisted wire or the solid wire. What is the advantage/disadvantage of one over the other?

[Pete]

In my experience, twisted wire is less prone to flex-breaks, but twisted has more exposed surface for corrosion if any moisture gets in, thus could fail more quickly. I think you should try wireless! ... maybe not. :rolleyes:

[Pilar]

Roy, you will need wire that is soft and flexible because of the vibration in the boat. Machine tool wire is ideal.

Solid wire is for houses only.

Make sure you use liquid vinyl tape in your splices before you shrink it. Also leave slack on any wire that has a terminal on it so you can remake the end if it breaks off or gets corroded.

Good luck!

[Bait O' Eggs]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will use the braided wire.

Pete, I keep finding myself wireless now and that causes the problem. graemlins/1zhelp.gif

Keta - I did make the top at Christmas time, and the compliment is greatly appreciated. :smile: I keep hearing comments from skurvey dogs (you listening Waterdog :wink: ) that it is not a piece of art in any, way, shape or form. It is unique on the water, as nobody else has one like it.

[Gus Orviston]

Whew, I didn't think you saw me getting shocked in your boat!!! :tongue: Maybe you were emitting some "e" field and freaken the fish out the last couple of years.

Definitely use multistrand and use the spray on vinyl, or liquid rubber, NO NO not for that! :hoboy: then shrink wrap isn't required in my opinion and you have better protection against corrosion.

Flatlander

[fish_on]

Multi-strand wire for sure. They make some butt connectors that are crimp and solder connectors. You crimp them heat them and it melts the solder and also the shrink plastic around them. These are different than the crimp and seal that just melt the plastic. The crimp and solder are all that’s approved for air bag harness repair, I have used them and they work great.

[Mojo]

Having worked on Aircraft and RADAR wiring for almost 20 years, I can tell you that multi-strand wire is your best bet. Either twisted or braided, it does not matter. The no-ox idea is genius, as is the liquid coat. The environmental splices work well because they have solder in them, and when you heat them to melt the heat-shrink, the solder melts into the wire, forming a good bond. The rule of thumb I use is..."if you don't have a good mechanical (physical) connection, you don't have a good electrical connection. Hope this helps.

[Fish mojo]

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/01/49/13/i014913sq01.jpg
You might look at these LED treailer lights from Cabela's. They look cool and will last forever.

[Keta]

I forgot to mention that everything should be grounded to the battery not the hull.

[Rippenlips]

Roy, I like your top also. When I do a lot of soldering on small wires and have to use heat shrink. I bought one of those little butane torches. They make instant heat and won't burn anything when you put them down after shutting them down.
Jon T

[Gus Orviston]

oh yeah, what rippenlips said about the little torch, heck with the soldering iron, these little units are great.

Can you get those tail lights to display messages in those LEDs like, SKUNKED, or NO LUCK? they look like they should be able too?

[Keta]

If it moves use multi strand wire. Single strand wire is for stationary applications. I would also sugest 12 ga wire too. Use "DeOX" or "No Corrode" on the terminals and terminal screws.

Did you build the hard top on the boat that you were standing in front of in that picture you
posted with the springer? If you did, I think that you did a very good job. Not a box built with a square! :cheers:

[fishbait]

Roy,

Lots of good advice here. Do yourself a favor and pick up some "wire loom" (think thats what it's called) 1/2 inch black tube split down the side. Makes for a nice sanitary looking job and helps with protecting the wire from vibration abraisions. Hey thats a couple of pretty big words for me, want me to type slower so you can understand better :smile: ...........