Re: ABYC Standards ??
There USCG tried to establish a voluntary program of random spot checks at boat yards for compliance to their regs and ABYC stds during the building of boats. It was slow to start but eventually manfs started coming onboard. USCG citations of building defects dropped significantly, then funding was cut. Last I heard the program was all but dead, those manfs still in the program are pretty much self-regulating, i.e. they tell whomever yeah, we comply, but no one goes and checks anymore. I don't know where the program is today.<br /><br />From a manfs point of view, the only reason to adhere to ABYC stds is to reduce liability. As far as marine electrical goes, I think it is far more important to use only UL approved components and install as per manfs instructions. Part of the requirement for UL certification includes comprehensive installation instructions, and if followed, is as safe and effective as any electrical can be, regardless of where it is installed. Back to the manfs point of view, if they install a UL certd item, but not per manfs instructions, the boat builder assumes a tremendous liability that has become virtually non-defendable. For that reason, almost everything having anything to do with electricity is submitted for UL certification, then installed per instructions. And by extension, if you install almost anything electrical, and dont follow the manfs installation instructions, you are providing your insurance company with a potential out from having to settle a claim if your boat burns to the waterline.<br /><br />Fwiw, ULs testing is so broad and extensive (and very expensive), that we know for a fact soldered connectors have absolutely nothing over a properly crimped connector. There is no electrical or mechanical benefit to soldering. It can only degrade the crimped connection. (This is the part where Boatist wakes up and says WHAT!
) The same is also true for coax connections. The crimp connectors are as good as, or better than soldered connectors, for electrical and mechanical connection.<br /><br />Note: PL-259s are ancient connectors, well past their useful life. They were designed for use indoors in a protected environment, and never intended for exposure to the elements as other connector designs are. Why PL-259s are still being used on marine VHF is beyond me. I can only presume it is a tradition that refuses to die, like RCA phono connectors. Those were originally intended for use inside a single chassis only. Never intended for connecting between chassis, the only way they are now used, due to the potential of establishing a ground-loop feedback.
