Wiring runs for camera and battery monitor

[PicoGoss]

Pico is a 25 classic. We are about to install a backup camera to our Garmin 5212 and a Xantrex battery monitor. What's the best routes for wiring to the dash?

 

[DBBRanger]

Whatever you do, leave a rope or cord in place along the wire route to facilitate the next time - it will be much easier!

I have routed wires from the batteries into the engine compartment and forward of the engine (accessed through the step). Then there is an area just above the A/C pump (if no pump installed then forward and up from the fuel filter) where wires/hoses go through. Remove the inspection port underneath the head sink and fish a line through to that point. I installed an access panel in the lower cabinet under the Wallas stove on the back wall of the cabinet. Without that, I think it is impossible to access that area to pull wires. Depending on you build, you have to get your shoulders in the cabinet, and then your arms through the access hole. It is a bit difficult to get the wire to this point from the head inspection port, but do whatever you have to do! Then, the area from there to the helm area is quite open behind the cabinets, but access to it is limited. The way I did it was to remove the forward bulkhead panel in the V-Birth. Then you can see the entire length behind the cabinets. I then used a long (6' maybe), slender, flexible stick to bridge the area from the birth to the access panel and fixed the wire to it and pulled it through. You can also remove the screws on the AC power panel and flip the panel out far enough to get access to the area behind it (of course remove all AC power to the boat including any inverter connections that might be there). You would think you're home free at this point but.... it is not a straight shot from there to behind the helm panel. It's a bit of a curve - just follow the wires that are there and hope there is enough space.

Wow, it makes me tired just thinking about what I did! It's a piece of cake the next time if you have put in the cord I mentioned. I terminated the cord behind the AC panel so next time you don't have to remove the bulkhead panel. The other end is tied to the water heater.

It might be possible to go along the port side, behind the cave and into the A/C cabinet, but I could never figure out how to get across to the helm. Others may have an idea.


PM me if you want more details. Good Luck!

 

[Red Raven]

I can't comment regarding the camera but for the battery monitor you might consider putting it somewhere else besides the helm. Since it is used for monitoring the house batteries you are unlikely to use it while under way. I mounted our battery monitor in the cave (above the not used chart desk) where it is easy to see (in the R27) when moving about the cabin. Very easy to run the wires that way. Not sure where an equivalent would be in the R25 but you may be able to find a logical spot that doesn't involve such a difficult run.

 

[hughesdave123]

Depends on where your mounting it.

Here is mine.

http://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=41231

 

[nzfisher]

Look at wireless alternatives and save yourself a lot of grief. If that is not an option, consider making a new storage compartment under the feet of the port side passenger (or a door in the step) so you can run wires on the port side then cross under to the helm to the heater from the new access point. It will save you a lot of grief.

 

[Scuffy]

I just ran some wiring forward for an Aqua Alarm and a coax for a cockpit Cable TV connection box. On the starboard side I pushed one those sectional screw together 3/16 fiberglass rod fishes from the starboard side cockpit storage that is located behind the water heater. I got right up to the refrigerator. I pulled the refrigerator out. Then I pushed another section of the fiberglass fish from the compartment behind the helm accessed through the door that is in the berth. Then I joined the two separate sections together and pulled a coax cable and two # 12 gauge wires from that berth access door to the rear compartment then across the rear of the boat through the compartments with the coax to the box for it located to the left of the shore power connection receptacle. The two wires for the Aqua Alarm got routed to the engine compartment through an existing hole towards the front of the engine compartment and on to the Aqua Alarm senor switch. I had reservations about connecting to the Volvo ignition switch. I always leave the switch on while the engine is off locking through areas etc. and did not want to do a require fob shut down to kill power to the switch. That way I only have to push the same start button to start or stop the engine. I normally just shut down the engine battery switch when I'm done with the engine for the day. So I just picked up 12 VDC from the fuse block in the compartment behind the helm and put a two pole switch on the wooden side of the compartment that goes into the berth area that is on the side of the same compartment. I can turn the alarm on and off from there. We have a 27 but I would not imagine they are all that different. I looked like I was in a knife fight and got bruised up a little squirming into places I was not meant to fit. Cutting the hole for the switch and Aqua Alarm panel just to the right of the helm and to the left of the switch panel for the wipers etc.on the right. Had to remove the steering wheel to get proper access. It was the most frightening. I'll add some pics to our album. Ah the boating life.
Happy Trails