Wiring harness

[suseejr]

I'm redoing the wiring on my 84 Crest. I'd like to see some wiring harness ideas. Not motor harness but the accessories. Lights, fishfinder, etc. Thank you

 

[HotTommy]

First, how much do you know about electrical wiring (e.g., choosing the correct size wire based on the amperage draw and length of run)? Second, are you looking for a premade harness or will you put it together yourself? Third, are you asking more about concepts (e.g., the pros and cons of having a master power switch) or specifics (e.g., what type of switches to use)? In other words, be a little more specific in what you want to know.

 

[ahicks]

I learned quite a while back, the value of running power and ground from the battery to a buss bar located in the console. Then pull power for lights, radios, etc. from the buss bar. A fuse block could work as a buss bar. Di-electric grease applied to all connections, including fuses, will keep the system reliable for years.

Master switch plan is a good one. Downside to a master cutting power to EVERYTHING, would be no chance of preserving your radio's memory. Depending on how your boat is used, you may want to do something a little different there.

 

[suseejr]

The boat was mostly restored by the previous owner. Everything is wired. I'm just looking for ideas to tie it all together. I'm thinking zip ties. But how do you secure it to the underside or sides? Do you use protective casing, or conduit? Just looking to clean up the messy look.

 

[Jcris]

I recently went through a similar task. My 96' Glastron fish and ski was in good shape but I wanted to clean up the wiring. Working from the motor (i/O) forward I began by eliminating all the extra wiring in the loom. I removed all the 20 year old trolling motor wiring and ran a dedicated circuit off the TM battery directly to the TM. Circuit breaker , and plug/receptacle added along the circuit. That way the only thing on that battery was my trolling motor. I found that to protect and dress the loom there was very little available at the local auto parts store, except of course that plastic spiral wound stuff that seems available everywhere. What I found online is a product called tech flex at the site you see below. This stuff is excellent and so is that site. Check it out