MF805 wiring routes to cabin

[freddyuk]

Can anyone suggest the best route for cabling from the sun deck (roof) of the Merryfisher down to the cabin? It seems to be two moulded parts so there is no way through from top to bottom although existing running lights are routed from the samsom post so there is a route which was done at manufacture.

 

[R400]

If you have the stereo at high level above the helm you can get access through there, I had to renew the antennae , then fish the cable at high level back to the patio door bulkhead where the ply panels are. Awkward though, good luck.

 

[Jamie Dundee]

If it's anything like the Antares there are two tubes running the length of the starboard side of the wheelhouse roof, one stern to forward from the deck light to the panel above the helm and one from the panel through to the lazarette. To get a cable from the rear of the coachroof to the helm you have to run forward then back and down then forward again under the side deck. Bloody ridiculous, my vhf coaxes and solar cables are 15m long as a result.

 

[freddyuk]

I spent a couple of hours yesterday looking for routes. I removed the light fitting over the rear deck and if you have small hands there is a conduit just out of reach which takes the existing cabling down the starboard side to the cabin hatch access by the cooker. So I could see its possible to get from the roof to to cabin. When I feed a cable down from this access to the Lazerette it drops neatly down but after climbing up and down many times the cable is still not found. This is a two man job unless you have days to fill. Once in the Lazerette I should be able to run cables forward along the starboard side behind the cupboards and helm then up to the console. The fridge needs to come out anyway to check its condition. I am running solar cables from roof to port side battery and also VHF/4G aerial from roof to somewhere for onboard wifi connection and of course leave a spare cable for anything else later on. Today we will go and try to get the cables down that roof conduit which is going to be fun but I have a fish tape so hope it will be ok. Wife is not happy I am slowly unscrewing the boat! The heater installation will require most of the floor to come up.

 

[R400]

I fitted a heater just to the left of the starboard access panel in the lazarette and then ran the ducting port side past the calorifier and batteries and put a branch in to pick up the demister ducts. Outlet into the cabin near the isolator. Only 2 kw but very warm on cold nights. You don’t have to remove the fridge as you can get access to the bulkhead in the heads and up to the control panel via a route over the water tank. Follow the shower drain hose.

 

[freddyuk]

Thanks.... I was there today and managed to get the solar wiring from roof space down to port side battery. I also got a good look down the starboard side and can see where you mean. Thats where I would fit my heater too with exhaust above the engine exhaust. I am putting sliding shelves under the sink rather than pulling out boxes of gear so can also see the pumps and FW tank. That will need cleaning out. I also checked for any signs of hot water but sadly no! From what you say the calorifier should be on the port side under the saloon table?? I have single cold feed so assume the shower is cold too. More expense. Even the bulbs are still incandescent so being changed to LED.
Do you have the problem of the roof drain going straight into the door channels? That needs redesigning.

 

[R400]

When we specked our first 805 I think the domestic hot water was an option so it’s possible you don’t have it. The calorifier is sited stern of the batteries. If you remove the decorative ply panel yo get full access to the area. It’ll quite a bit of kit to install what with the link to the cooling system on the freshwater side, temp and pressure relief , blow off and drain off into the bilge, routing supplies to sink and heads. You may also need additional expansion vessel but who ever supplies you kit should be able to draw you a schematic. There must be a small expansion vessel on the cold water supply to operate the flow switch but this does not connect to the heated water so ask the experts. Nice project for the Christmas hols!

 

[freddyuk]

Been there again and measuring up.
I can see the screen demister pipes hanging unconnected behind the wardrobe space so have planned the route for the heating. Going through engine bay with T off to saloon and then T off to the screen and then through bottom of wardrobe into the locker with vent out of the locker. That's shortest route.
I have a huge space in the port side battery area as only one battery there BUT it is the wrong side for the plumbing. So I reckon by moving the engine battery over to the port side and moving the starboard fire extinguisher up alongside the engine I can get a calorifier into the engine bay to the right of the battery. Then all the pipework is much shorter. So long as I have access to the engine belts etc. this seems to be a better solution as also its in middle of the boat. I will fit a 22litre tank with a small accumulator. Good access and would not be difficult to remove if I had to for major engine work. I do a bit of plumbing so it does not faze me. Just need to check pipe sizes and connections for water and heating and buy new fawcett for sink and heads. Also mixer valve etc. ££££££!!