Best way to run cables?

[nickfabbri]

I am trying to run a set of cables under the floor of the boat and have a run of about 3m where there is no access or ability to lift the floor. I intend to use a mousing line first but need a way of threading it through.
Access is really tight ( as always) and I have a small panel I can lift that is about 8 inches across which then gives me about 6 inches clearance below.
I was going to use a long thin bamboo cane or a fishing rod to push the line through, but can't get enough bend on it to get it through the access hole.
Suggestions please?

 

[ProDave]

For occasional use, one of these: http://www.screwfix.com/p/cable-flex-draw-tape/75807 but they are best just for easy straight runs.

But I use one of these http://www.screwfix.com/p/spring-steel-fish-tape/67849 Slightly more expensive, but the spring steel ones can be bent to shape first to better enable them to go round bends and obstructions.

If you know a friend or relative who is an electrician they will have one you might be able to borrow.

 

[LittleShip]

Cant help with how to do it but......
3m of unsupported cables is a bad idea. I would try and get a plastic tube in place to run the cables through so that they have some support in the void.

Cables that hang are prone to damage in the long term on boats.

Tom

 

[chriscoreline]

+1 for tube.
It will make replacing or upgrading the run much much easier in the long run.

 

[savageseadog]

Any chance of taking them over the cabin? always better to keep wiring out of bilges I feel.

 

[nickfabbri]

I think that there is a conduit built into the port side of the boat. The area is dry and not subject to either excessive water or movement.

Thank you for the suggestions. The screwfix items look just like a steel tape measure I have at home. It should work perfectly.

 

[rowanloh]

I use curtain wire - its very flexible - has no memory and can be directed where you want it to go with a bit of trial and error. Search on curtain wire in eBay - these are provided with end connections also.

 

[Blueboatman]

I have a set of fibreglass 'rods' about 3mm dia which screw together up to IIRC 15m. £20 if you shop around?

Quite good for mast work too, esp when it is horizontal ashore and or you don't want internals all crossed.

Where space is tight or you are feeding wires along conduit, a bit of dilute washing up liquid on the cables seems to help a lot.

 

[prv]

I used a combination of Dave's draw-tape and a couple of long strips of stainless. One of the ends for the draw-tape is a magnet, and I found it useful to have a length of fine chain (jewellery size, chromed but ferrous, sold by B&Q) to push into a space for the magnet to pick up and pull out the other side.

Personally though I'd avoid running cables through bilges, and definitely not hanging loose.

Tallow is supposedly the "right" lubricant for threading cables, or at least that's what the tub I have for my gaff saddles says it is meant for.

Pete

 

[MrCramp]

I would use some fence wire, you can get it from B&Q!