Pulling new wire

[JeffRad54]

Contrary to the Subject Line, I'm not pulling new wire, but I want to pull several cords to leave in place for future installations.
For example, I will want to install a 12VDC fan on the overhead wood strip that covers a wire run in the cabin just aft of the center windshield in my R27 OB. Other devices will follow, including a switchable amp meter, for instance. Maybe a search light or camera up on the masthead. You get my drift.

So far I have had zero luck using a fiberglass wire chaser (too many sharp turns). I'm sure others here have wanted to run new wire in existing chases. Any ideas or tips?

Thanks!

 

[Capt’nKarl]

You might want to use an existing wire as a pull through. Find a wire from the area you want to place a new wire in and disconnect it from the power source. Attach your new wire and a strong string to that wire and pull it through to the new location. Then you can use the string to re-pull the original wire. It’s worked for me.

 

[JeffRad54]

You might want to use an existing wire as a pull through. Find a wire from the area you want to place a new wire in and disconnect it from the power source. Attach your new wire and a strong string to that wire and pull it through to the new location. Then you can use the string to re-pull the original wire. It’s worked for me.

Too many hidden zip ties on the existing cables to use a wire to pull a string, plus I wouldn't be able to pull an extra wire or two through the confines of the existing cable inside the zip ties. What I found that does work is a package of 3' long zip ties. Strong enough to push, flexible enough to bend around tight corners, and when I need to extend the reach, I just clip the ends and tape them together. I use gutted paracord strings for my 'pulls'.

Interesting to note that while pulling panels to access the cable runs, I found one wire with a trim screw driven through the center, and two VHF wires with bare ends hanging around! The VHF works fine, so I guess the wires are for the option speaker (?), but they should not have been left with bare ends by the Factory.

 

[knotflying]

Well, I would wait until I was ready and then go through the pain. I was able to run a wire on the port side from the engine along the gunnel all the way to the v-berth. I also was able to get a wire on the same side into the glove box, small hole at corner then up the side where the port window meets the port front window, into the overhead compartment and then behind the TV or you can keep going from there. On the starboard side I pulled out the refrigerator and the stove. Then a line from the engine compartment through the shower pump area, behind the stove, cabinets refrigerator and all the way to the V-berth. I used one of those fiberglass rods that screw together. Not too bad, but a two man job. It may not work with a wife. :lol:

 

[JeffRad54]

Well, I would wait until I was ready and then go through the pain. I was able to run a wire on the port side from the engine along the gunnel all the way to the v-berth. I also was able to get a wire on the same side into the glove box, small hole at corner then up the side where the port window meets the port front window, into the overhead compartment and then behind the TV or you can keep going from there. On the starboard side I pulled out the refrigerator and the stove. Then a line from the engine compartment through the shower pump area, behind the stove, cabinets refrigerator and all the way to the V-berth. I used one of those fiberglass rods that screw together. Not too bad, but a two man job. It may not work with a wife. :lol:

For me, I'd rather go through part of the pain now, and the rest of the pain later, mostly because of the time. It's close to end of season now, so I get to be on the boat. Come December and January, I'll be fiddling around with the ceramic heater running instead of wasting good boating weather come Spring!

I'm having good luck with my makeshift ziptie snakes. Pulling panels all over and finding stuff I'd rather not have found.
I've discovered the Factory Manual wiring diagram is a joke. Yes, wire runs do go left and right. They also turn back, run around bolts, run overhead and sideways and God knows where else.
I'm spoiled though. I worked on fighter jets and was used to documentation that was accurate and precise.
(Hint to FM... spend a few bucks and hire a publication writer that knows the a** from the elbow.)

On my R27, the starboard panel for the porthole was poorly cut. By poorly cut, I mean the top and bottom angles are wrong so it can't be removed to get to all the wiring. The top cut is sloped too shallow so it binds at the aft end and the bottom cut is too steep so it can't be lifted out of the fiberglass trough it sits in. I have no idea how the Factory got it in in the the first place! Tomorrow is me and my Dremel tool to trim wood. Crossing fingers I don't nick any wires.

What's a wife? :lol:

 

[JeffRad54]

Following up on the STBD panel removal. I resorted to using a Dremel carbide cut-off saw to cut a groove at the top of that STBD port hole panel that was giving me fits. I knew there were cables behind, so after cutting as far as I dared, I used a japanese pull saw to cut more deeply, and then resorted to a chisel to remove the rest of the waste. Once I had the panel out, I used a dovetail saw to clean up the cut.

I got the panel away and the rest was fairly easy. Two 3 foot lengths of zip tie, ends cut off and taped together, let me snake the cords for the wire pull.

I'm still working on the Inverter access. I doubt it will do me much good to pull the panel holding all of the electrical stuff, but I want to take a pic of what's behind there. I mentioned a plug I saw in the Inverter, one person here told me it was connected to the AC Main terminal block. Maybe it is. I have a hard time believing that FM would do that instead of using the AC output terminals. I'll find out and let you know. Electrical outlets are meant for Consumer use, not for Mains Supply Wiring!

I've got my new fan installed. Works great and the wiring was simple to the single un-used fuse behind the Head mirror and the ground bus behind the mirror.
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