R-27 Classic - Path of Least Resistance (Wire Routing)

[TugScout]

After successfully converting all my shore power cables and outlet to SmartPlug hardware, I'm on to my next winter project which is replacing batteries and adding a new battery monitor.

My original choice for batteries were the Northstar with the Lifelines running a close second. As luck would have it, I found a great deal on the Lifeline GPL-31XT with 125AH rating so I went with four of those and should receive them in a week or two.

At the same time as I install the new batteries, I've also ordered the Balmar SG200 battery monitor and Bluetooth Gateway. I will need to run the wire for the monitor to the helm area so I'm looking for input from those of you who have ran cable between the battery locker and the helm.

Which route (if any) is the easiest to tackle to get the cable to the helm area? It doesn't matter to me which side of helm area the monitor ends up. Either near the steering console or near the Radio and Webasto thermostat would be fine.

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Salty7]

Mark, I have a 25SC and will be happy to share with you how I got from the batteries to the galley and also to the helm. It wasn't easy and is more lengthy than I am willing to type. PM me your phone number and I will call you tomorrow afternoon. Thanks, Tony.

 

[knotflying]

Having run two runs, one on starboard to the helm station for my raw water alarm and one to the port side glove compartment where you can install your Balmar under the AC thermostat, I think I would opt for the port side run. You can run your wires under the gunnel all the way through to the cave and beyond. There is plenty of room between the liner and the wood panel. Just look under your galley table and you will see what I mean. Your can get the wires all the way into the glove box and then do your thing.

 

[Red Raven]

One other thing to consider is to not put the monitor forward at all. You don’t need to use it while underway as it is for monitoring the house batteries. I chose to mount our Xantrex battery monitor in our R27 Classic in the cave right under the cave lid. Easy to see when we are anchored and milling around the cabin, no cutting holes in the boat, and a much easier wire run! I made a bezel out of teak but any material could be used.

Here’s a photo.



Curt

 

[stevevoyce@yahoo.com]

So on my 25 Classic there are three wires run to a factory installed voltmeter next to the helm from the battery compartment. Could you use any of these wires?

 

[TugScout]

Thanks everyone for the help. When I'm down at the boat in the next few days I will look at running up the port side under the gunnel (thanks knot). If that doesn't work I'll be giving Tony a call. Curt, you have my default position and is exactly what I told my wife I would do if the run toward the bow becomes too challenging.

Thanks again all,

Mark

 

[JSoup]

Would you mind sharing where you found the good deal on the Lifeline batteries?

Thanks - Eric

 

[TugScout]

Would you mind sharing where you found the good deal on the Lifeline batteries?

Thanks - Eric

Sure - Happy too.

I purchased them on the Black Friday sale at batteryguys.com

Free shipping and no sales tax and no core charge. Ended up at $377 each. Sale runs through today. Code BFCM10

Cheers,
Mark

 

[Smcavana]

On our 2011 R27, we replaced the Sunsaver controller with a Victron MPPT controller and a Victron battery monitor when we upgraded and added a second solar panel. The controller is Bluetooth controlled and is mounted on the aft bulkead in the port cockpit lazarette. No need to run wires. We mounted the monitor where the old Sunsaver was previously (on the port side wall entry to the v berth). The monitor is also bluetooth enabled, so we look at our cell phone more often than the actual monitor. Anyway, we used the old "telephone" cable to the Sunsaver to pull the new one to the Victron (it's not plug and play!). Took about 30 minutes and required snipping some wire ties along the way (under the navigator bench seat as I recall) and also removing the cover on the port side v berth aft bulkhead to get the wire into the glove box). Very happy with the result.