Rewiring a boat - what is involved?

[bobgoode]

Back in '97 rewired my Hurley 30 from scratch.

One day to note existing wiring and then rip out.

One weekend at home planning routes and producing a purchase list.

one weekend to install main cable runs, main board and test connections.

One weekend to connect in all the appliances.

No 240 though

 

[samwise]

Sorry guys, re my reply post on this subject, the book I recommend is by Alistair Garrod and not by James Hortop ( who is the man from Merlin) . I think a subsequent post has put me right.

 

[Lee_Shaw]

I rewired a 27'er from scratch.

Timewise took 4 days doing 8 hour day and about 4 evenings (say 3 hours each) so say about 45 hours grafting and head scratching.

I installed new batteries, wired in the engine and it's controls/panels, new circuit breaker panel, battery management, wire internal lighting and nav lights, instruments, stereo, 3 x 12v outlets, bonding through hulls and prop, shorepower/charger, two 240v outlets and galv isolator.

Got most of the stuff as a kit from Merlin which had instructions so even I could do it, expensive but good quality clobber. The expense was offset by carrying out work myself. I would recommend installing your own as you'll have a better chance of being able to diagnos and repair problems yourself. Could get you out the [--word removed--] one day.

The system works like a dream, idiot proof and it has to be. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[TheBoatman]

Charles
I can see "where you're coming from" but it can be divided into 2 simple areas.
1. Cost of materials.
2. Cost of labour.

In 1 above it's quite simple to work out - how much cable do I need and what gissmos (switches/fuses etc) do I need to buy.

In 2 above it's a different story because making the connections is relatively simple its getting the cables run that takes the time. So if you employ a professional the majority of his time is going to be made up of running the cables. So you could consider running the cables yourself but get the pro to make the connections!!

Peter

 

[CharlesM]

Hi Peter

You have a point - thanks. I was thinking that the bulk of the time in doing a rewiring would be running the cables...

I don't think I would do the job this year, but maybe next year. All the answers have given me pointers of what to consider etc.

Cheers
Charles