I need to run some 6 gauge (That's right, 6 gauge; I sized them for a total of 50'@ 24 amps) cables on my C36 MKI from the WC, port side to the batteries beneath the starboard settee for a Jabsco 29200 WC upgrade.
Anyone have a suggestion for best route? As I said, I've allowed for 50' total run, 25' each way.
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James J, C36 MK I, Hull 537
I really can't say for your MK I hull, but on my MK II I ran wiring through the port side settee area next to the holding tank, then under the settee just fwd of the galley sink, then under the cabin sole to the battery compartment.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
James,
It is not that hard to run wiring from the head to the electrical panel. You should take out the three drawers under the nav station to get access. I assume you are going from a breaker on the panel, down behind the drawers, then under the cabin sole. While you are fishing wires under the cabin sole, you might want to leave a messenger line there for future wires. You can go to either side of the fuel tank, but going forward and then outboard is neater than going outboard first. From the fuel tank you go forward under the outboard settee, and then thru the bulkhead separating the main cabin and head. Make sure you seal the hole you drill in the plywood before running the wires. Hope this helps.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
I ran mine exactly the way Duane did. Seemed the easiest and shortest. Went thru the waste line hole in the bulkhead going from the cabinet behind the head to the holding tank area then under the sole.
Do you really need 6 guage? I used 10 (they called for 8) and it works fine.... your not pulling current for that long that it ios a problem and 6 guage is way more expensive.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
You need to be very careful when choosing the wire gage.
One issue is the voltage drop dependent upon the gage, length of run, and current flowing. Some powered devices need a minimum voltage to operate properly.
The second is a safety issue. If your installation is not adequate, overheating of the wire can occur and catch the insulation on fire.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Thanks all.
Already bought the 6 gauge wire, $2.00/ft, ouch!
Duane's route seems to work best for my boat.
I'll let you know how the first flush goes!
James J, C36 MK I, Hull 537
First flush went great!!
Ran the cables as suggested, left a messenger line behind too. Connected directly to the batteries with a 25 amp fuse on the hot side.
This weekend is the Garmin 4008 and NMEA 2000 network, then it's sailing!
James J, C36 MK I, Hull 537
Great James! Thanks for reporting in.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/