Starting to re wire the boat

[SailingFlorida]

Picked up two rolls of 13G wire, 50' of white and black to begin rewiring my boat. Most of it is hidden underneath but a few runs will be visible and I was wondering if there is a wrap other then electrical tape so that at least the dbl wires will all look uniform and match. I searched wire wraps but I may not be typing the right thing. Plus it would be nice to conceal the wire nuts. Thoughts or suggestions alway appreciated!

[tommays]

I not sure that two rolls of wire VS some 14/2 is the best way to rewire as the jacket on the 14/2 provides a lot of protection


Whats up with the wire nuts

[Idiens]

Hope you got tinned-copper wire, not just plain copper.

[SailingFlorida]

Sorry I didnt meant to type nuts ill be using wire crimps, I just feel better about the connection rather the twisting and taping. I guess the few wires that are exsposed wont look bad bundled and taped I just didnt know if anyone had a nice looking solution to visable wires.

[SailingFlorida]

Originally Posted by Idiens

Hope you got tinned-copper wire, not just plain copper.

I got the wire at a marine place they didnt give me an option on that

[Idiens]

I'm no expert, but I would not twist and tape. I use either a "chocolate box" type of screwed connector for wires which are often separated (like those headed up the mast) or crimped connectors with heat shrink over the top.

[bubb2]

Florida, I don't know where to start. Wire nuts do not belong on a boat. Are we talking AC or DC wiring. What kind of boat. If this is DC wiring and if you have AC on the boat are you wiring with same colors?
Called wire looms

[jjns]

1st verify that indeed you have tinned wire, many marine stores wont even carry it as it is double the price of regular, the difference to you is having your wiring last 20 years instead of 2.
Wire loom is available at most auto parts stores in varying sizes.
Twisting and taping is the sort of repair one does on the roadside with no tools available, it will be the first place for failure to occur. There is no substitute for soldering and shrinking save maybe those special little 1-shot solderable shrink connectors, but at a buck-a-piece you are better to buy a quality soldering gun and a roll of shrink, also the connectors will require a hot flame to solder/shrink which isn't always ideal around things like wood and fiberglass. Having colour coded wires is also a great idea, 5 years from now, if you have to do a repair, it will be a lot easier to pick out the green wire rather than on of the bundle of 6 same coloured wires that disappear under the floorboards. Also, do not use those little plastic "scotch-lock" connectors, even taped or shrunk they will be a source of trouble in less than 12 months. Good luck.

[rikhall]

Hi all

In Canada wire looms are readily available at Canadian Tire.

(For those of you have never been up here - it is sort of a combination of HarbourFreight, Princess Auto, NAPA and a whole bunch more. Carries tarps, SS fasteners and yes, even boating supplies)

[TxLnghrn]

SailingFlorida,
Welcome to Sailnet,
I strongly recommend you have a look at MaineSail's guide to Marine Wire Termination. You can find it here: All About Marine Wire Termination Photo Gallery by Maine Sailing at pbase.com
Best of luck with your project.
Michael