R-27 Classic: Wire Routing Question...

[TugScout]

Good morning folks,

I'd like to run some wiring from the back of the helm to the compartment on the other side of the cabin where the radio is mounted. Has anyone done this? If so, what is the easiest path for routing the wire?

Also (while I'm thinking of it), how difficult is it to remove the column on the starboard side that acts as a wiring chase for cables going into the ceiling?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[jackson]

Hi Mark

My electrical background is basically plugging in a coffee pot...so my response will not be technical.

I have a Ranger 25, 2020 and I think I can respond to your second question. I was with my local technician the other day as he ran cable for my radar, which will be mounted on the existing post over the front portion of the boat. We obviously started from the front and worked back towards mid-ship. The run is in the ceiling above the wood trim down the middle of the boat. Couple of screws and the overhead trim drops down revealing 2 openings. We followed the middle of the boat to about mid-ship.

Once we got our cables to basically the center of the boat the run is to the starboard in the direction of the port hole. The cable was then run down the starboard wall around the porthole. The porthole trim had to be removed exposing the void which helped us guide the wires/cables down in the direction of the sink and then forward along the starboard wall passing under the throttle and then to the box behind the chart plotter, which is accessed in the head.

You will need a firm guide to fish through the openings and making the turns. We first ran a medium thickness string through the wall first and then pulled the cable through. I also need to add that the info on the best route for the cable came from a Ranger Tug technician.

Hope this is somewhat helpful.
John

 

[TugScout]

Hope this is somewhat helpful.
John

Thanks John - I appreciate the help.

Mark

 

[knotflying]

I have done something similar. Depending on what you are running this may work. I only ran a coax cable so it was not too bad. In each corner along side the front windows is a small space between the front window and the side window. I drilled a hole through the wooden ledge right in the corner down into the compartment you want to access. I then drilled a hole above in the same corner going up into the overhead cubby. You can then drill additional holes on either side of those cubbies so the wire goes across behind the TV and then go down on the opposite side as you did on the other. I then held the wire in place in the corner with a blob of clear silicone clear caulk held temporarily in place with some tape until the silicone set. You never really see the wire in the corner since it is black and rather small. I am not near the boat until October or I would send you a picture. If you are running several wires you may want to use a conduit and then paint it to blend in with the surrounding color.