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Running Cables Forward?

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CarbonSink62
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USA
208 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/18/2013 : 07:03:36

I got 2 new AGM batteries to serve as my house bank and I want to mount them under the V berth to offset the weight of the new engine. I haven't done an exhaustive search, but I don't see an easy way to run 2 8g battery cables to that space.

Ideally, I'd like to go outboard on the port side to keep the run short and avoid the bilge; but I don't know what's behind there. I have a snake that I can bring to get a runner through if the way is clear.

The starboard side doesn't look any easier.

Someone must have done this; any help?

I have an '82 C25 fixed keel w/ traditional interior; marine head w/ holding tank on the port side; water tank & hanging locker on stbd.

Ken

Zen Again
1982 Catalina 25 #2818
FK/SR/Trad 'Hardtop'

Edited by - on

sethp001
Mainsheet C-25 Tech Editor

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814 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2013 : 07:47:37

Seems like the simplest thing would be to extend the existing battery terminal connections with some heavy gauge wire.

On my boat, a PO drilled a hole in the forward side of the battery box. He then ran wires atop the fresh water tank to inside the head vanity cabinet to run an electric water pump.

I have not looked under the vanity before posting this, but I'm guessing you could put a hole in the bulkhead on the forward side of the vanity cabinet which would get you to the bilge area under the forward vberth.

So you could extend the battery terminal wires along this path.

Edited by - on

Kim Luckner
1st Mate

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USA
96 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2013 : 10:54:25

My '79 FK/SR Pop top w/"L" shaped dinette has a clear cable path on the port side from the under the vee - berth to the dumpster. The tough part, but doable with a snake, is behind the head. That is the path I used for my depth finder cable. Good Luck.

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CarbonSink62
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208 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2013 : 10:55:13

Thanks, Seth.

That would be the easiest way to go if I had access to the void under the hanging locker; I don't. It would be easier to access that than the void behind the head. I'm still amazed at how much volume Catalina closed off when they built these boats.

I already need to create racks and tie-downs for the new batteries, I thought that running the cables would be the easy part!

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sethp001
Mainsheet C-25 Tech Editor

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814 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2013 : 16:33:10

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by CarbonSink62
 Thanks, Seth.

That would be the easiest way to go if I had access to the void under the hanging locker; I don't. It would be easier to access that than the void behind the head. I'm still amazed at how much volume Catalina closed off when they built these boats.

I already need to create racks and tie-downs for the new batteries, I thought that running the cables would be the easy part!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

You're welcome, Ken. I agree about wasted space. I hope to put in some storage beneath the vberths and aft quarterberth, as well as some drawers in the aft section of the port settee.

Your layout must be a little different from mine. I think where your hanging locker is, I have a sink and vanity with cabinet beneath. You may be able to drill a hole on the forward and aft sides of the bulkhead that your hanging locker rests on, one from the bilge area under the forward vberth, and one from under the starboard settee in the salon. You may already be familiar with this, but if not, there is a tool called a wire snake (or wire tape) you can get that allows you to push wires along a path you cannot otherwise access. Wire installers use them to push wires down conduit in buildings that they could not otherwise access. You could use that or something improvised like it to push the wires across the void beneath your hanging locker.

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CarbonSink62
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USA
208 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2013 : 04:18:09

Thanks Kim & Seth.

I have a snake that comes in 3' screw-on sections; it's great for tight places.

I'll try Kim's suggestion for the port side b/c my panel and the engine battery are on that side and no holes will be needed. Failing that, I'll go for the stbd side and drill holes into the void under the hanging locker. Maybe I'll buy a locker door and get more storage as well.

Ken

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CarbonSink62
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USA
208 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2013 : 05:57:47

Looks like I'm all set. No problem to run a snake along the port side and get a messenger line through.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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4593 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2013 : 11:33:43

A 1/2" to 3/4" hole drilled under the hanging locker from each side, and a piece of coat hanger wire for a snake, should work for running the cables behind the head.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.