Marine Electrical Connectors?

[Tim Good]

Too many of the old electrical connectors on my boat (many the spade type) are old and not in great condition. I want to do an all out assault and replace as many as I can find with a decent modern marine solution. What is best practice at the moment?

I saw the PBO article rating the scotch lock gel connectors? I also have a sample pack of Contralube. Is that any good and will smothering new bullet or spade terminals with that be effective?

This for various things from engine bay, water pumps, lighting etc.

 

[David2452]

Get some good quality open barrel terminals, spades, bullets... all types are available, with separate insulating boots and a decent pair of matching ratchet crimpers. The separate boots means you can inspect the crimp for quality before committing it to use and makes the application of your chosen snake oil (Contralube, Servisol et al) easier.
As you can see from the diag below you get adjacent strain relief on the insulation and a "bell mouth" entry for the conductor which helps prevent strand chafing and damage, but equally importantly you will be able to see that is the case, unlike pre insulated terminals.

 

[Baddox]

I don’t know what is currently considered best practice. When I’ve added electronics and replaced connections I’ve found crimp connectors good, then sealed them with shrink-tube that contains hot-melt adhesive. The only connections that I’ve soldered are for the VHF’s aerial.

The auction site has some bargain priced hydraulic crimpers which proved ideal for the heavy duty engine cables. A ratchet crimper easily did the job for smaller wires.

 

[Gwylan]

Look at WAGO. Excellent system that does well in the marine environment. Also make changes possible.