Cable Routing Below Deck

[selfel]

I'm rebuilding an old Stoner skiff (22' CC flats boat), putting in new transom, stringers, deck, console etc. I'm about ready for the new deck and would like have all of my wiring and cables routed below deck. I've seen similar boats with 4" PVC conduit stubbed up under the console an back at the transom with all of the controls run in it. I don't see how steering cables or even throttle/shift cables could make the two 90 degree bends in 4" PVC. Am I missing something?

 

[JB]

Re: Cable Routing Below Deck

Just make room at both ends for cables to enter and exit in an arc, selfel.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Cable Routing Below Deck

I've been thinking about this... I came to the conclusion that my control cables are best routed along the starboard side where I can get to them and replace easily as needed.

The electricals are another story, debating whether to run PVC belowdecks or just run wire bundles now. Less work without PVC, but harder to run extra cables in the future without tearing up the deck...

Erik

 

[iwombat]

Re: Cable Routing Below Deck

I ran mine in the flexible blue "smurf" tube. It adds some protection and bends where you need it to.

 

[Scuda11]

Re: Cable Routing Below Deck

Hi Selfel, I did the same thing (sched 40 PVC) and it was the smartest thing I did. You can see the pics of it here:​

http://www.oceansedgewebdesign.com/boat3/index.htm​

JB makes an excellent point. If you are concerned with the bends, have them come out on the 90's. If you do go this route, I strongly recommend that before you are done, you run some small twine or shot line and have it on both ends. Big help when it comes time to run wires!​

Good luck and keep us posted.​

 

[Coors]

Re: Cable Routing Below Deck

Use pvc electrical 90's, they are sweeps; or use 2 45's on each end.

 

[selfel]

Re: Cable Routing Below Deck

Thanks for the responses. I picked up some 4" thinwall pipe and 45's last night. I'm going test fit my steering and control cables through the 45's. Still don't see how it will work. The ends of all of the cables are rigid where they attach to the motor, especially the steering cables, the last foot or so is solid. We'll see.

Thanks again.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Cable Routing Below Deck

When you run PVC like that do you drill drain holes in the bottom or come up to a weatherhead? Seems like a great way to ensure your wires are always submursed in water.

 

[selfel]

Re: Cable Routing Below Deck

I was going to drill holes in the bottom side of the pipe in case water got in. The way I've seen them installed is to have both ends stub up 2"-3" above the deck and then use a rubber boot to seal the wires/cables to the PVC pipe. Shouldn't see much water in the pipe below deck this way.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Cable Routing Below Deck

Even with the rubber boot, any water that gets in will stay there pretty much for good unless you put some drain holes in. A better way would be to come out to an open weatherhead. At least that way anything that got in has a chance to evaporate out.

 

[JB]

Re: Cable Routing Below Deck

Many center console boats use tunnels to route the control cables and harness aft. The aft end should drain into a sink that in turn drains through the transom. The fore end should be sealed away from any bilge areas.

 

[selfel]

Re: Cable Routing Below Deck

The trick is to install the cables into the PVC with the helm end in first. I tried it last night and the Teleflex cables made the two 90 degree bends with no problem. I was pleasantly surprised.