Over my head!

[hrzracr23]

So my project boat has been on the backburner until last weekend when I decided to get some more done.
I decided to start trying to figure out the rats nest that is the wire situation in the boat. My dad was helping and I told him to clip the wire's and start un-knotting the wires next thing i know He had cut the whole ball of wires out of the boat completely I dont know what goes to what where and all that so Im thinking would it be easy to completely re wire the boat? any wiring diagrams anywhere? any other ideas? thanks for the help

sidenote what happens if you exceed the max hp rating of a boat?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Over my head!

Look at the opportunity!! Yes, we can probably guide you through 90% of it. Depending on what you have to re-wire between this section, the electronics section and whatever engine you have (in that section) we should be able to guide you.

Exceeding "max" hp depends on so many factors I would suggest you read through the forums.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Over my head!

Hi hrzracr23,
I ALWAYS cut the wiring rats nest out of my project boats! Rewiring takes some time, but it's not difficult if you're handy with wire nippers and a soldering gun. And if you draw out a rough wiring diagram, use a terminal block, and lots of zip-ties, the wiring should be virtually invisible and trouble free for years to come! A good, well located terminal block makes adding stuff later on much easier, too...
As was said, lots to read here in the electronics section, etc.
- Scott

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Over my head!

Yeah, he did you a favor. Its always a good idea to rewire a project boat from scratch. This gives you the opportunity to update your system and build in some flexibility. Switches with built in breakers rather than fuse blocks. Proper tinned marine grade wire rather than automotive wire. Crimp/solder with heat shrinking. You just get a better end result without things dying on you out on the water.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Over my head!

My first "real" boat was a 16-foot Starcraft SuperSport that I replaced the floor in. I learned my rewiring lesson on that boat, because I DIDN'T rewire it. I had to do my Fonzi impersonation on the bow light every evening as it would not come on by the switch alone. A good solid rap on the top of the light and it would pop on. I had the light apart more times than I can remember and I could never get it to work consistently for the 4 years I had the boat. My second boat got a partial electrical rebuild - enough that it worked, but it was still a mess of wiring. My third boat (the one in my Avatar) got the full gutting treatment and it makes a huge difference! New wiring, switches, lights, and bilge pump. It's very nice having things work when you need them! Every time!
- Scott

 

[Mark42]

Re: Over my head!

Wiring is fun and rather inexpensive!

 

[swimmin' for shore]

Re: Over my head!

So where are you at now, hrzracr?
Were I you, I'd do what everyone's suggested. Plan it out first. Order everything you're going to need. A basic list would be 100' each of 16 gauge and 10 gauge marine wire in red and in black, solderable splice connectors, soldering materials, heatshrink, and your fuse box or circuit breakers.
When you get everything in, go slow, follow your plan, keep your wires tightly together, and LABEL EVERYTHING at 3' intervals. While you're at it, you might have a fantastic opportunity to reclain a lot of storage space, so you might want to figure that into just where you run that wiring.

 

[hrzracr23]

Re: Over my head!

ok so I know all of the fun things I want to wire, stereo, acc lights, spotlights, etc. but what are the things I will need to wire for the boat to run properly? for instance do boats have fuel pumps? things of this nature

 

[TriadSteeler]

Re: Over my head!

hrzracr23,

First. What is the Make/Model/HP/Serial# of your motor. (I'm assuming OB because you asked the Max HP ?). This will tell us how you will EXACTLY need to proceed.

Most of the wiring for those "mission critical" appliances are within the motor and run to the control (shifter) via a wiring harness. This harness also includes two leads to the main battery.

If the harness was cut out as well, you will just need to order one of those and It will have all of the wiring self-contained. It will affix to the motor via a plug either within the engine cowl or on the outside (depending on the make).