Running The Cables

[Blu_Lunch]

This week end I want to install the Merc 150 on the boat I already installed the jack plate. I bought the boat with no motor and the control and wiring was removed. I need some hint on where and how to run everything under the floor, it looks tight and I also need to replace the streering cable too...How about some hints....Ted

[reelapeelin]

Blu, two things I can tell ya...don't attach the motor to the transom till you got the new steering cable thru the tilt-tube...you'll have it hangin' right there at the transom, but the little bit of curve in the V20's transom can sometimes keep the cable from linin' up w/the tube...

and whenever you pull a wire or a bundle of wires, ALWAYS leave a pull-string for the next pull and never assume there won't be another pull...if you got old wires in there now, use them as pull for a new string or the new wires...take your time and LABEL each pos...like I didn't

if nothing is thru the wire-chase, then a stiff wire or somethings got to go thru there...sometimes if you got a pipe or conduit goin' thru the floor, you can suck a string thru (small one 1st, then pull a bigger one) w/a shop-vac...

[Stinky_Hooker]

What he said!!

Pull string will save you arse! if you always pull a string and or extra wire will will only have to fish it once!

[macojoe]

Well I don't know how wellcraft does it, I have a cuddy.

But when we did my buddys boat we did as above extra string!!
Take your time, the pipe is tight and you may get hung up on the way, just pull it back and start again.

some boats have 1 opening each end but 2 tubes. One for fuel and oil and one for wires and steering. top for wires.

again take your time!! it can be a real pain in the A$$ but you can do it.

Use a string when you pull the steering and what ever wires out!! this will give you something to pull back with.

Let us know how you make out!!

[willy]

Just so I know when I put in the NFB steering, do the cables run in the sides, gunwhales under the rod boxes or are they in the floor

[reelapeelin]

Willy, your cuddy's gonna go under the starboard gunwale... ;) ;D ;D...it's easy...if I can do it, I KNOW you can... ;)...

[macojoe]

everything in a cuddy goes under the gunnel!!
With everything I added I also have 1377 wire ties also!

[willy]

You counted every one too did'nt you ;D
Thanks guys, saved me that first half hour mystery tour ;)

[willy]

Now all I got to do is figure out what all the switches I have are for, two I know the rest don't do anything I have found yet, but I know at least one is the lights, I have not got them to work yet or needed them my few times out last year. The rest ???

[Blu_Lunch]

Thanks I need to go buy a cable ASAP I mounted the jack plate today.....Thanks guys

[reelapeelin]

JACK-PLATE?...then you ca go ahead and hang the motor cause the tilt-tube will be outside the transom and not affected by the inside curve when puttin' the new cable in... ;)...

[Blu_Lunch]

We got the old steering cable out today I needed to find what model the helm is and it is a Teleflex Safety-T quik connect. Tommorrow I'm going to get the new longer cable the other the end was damaged and appeared to be too short. Friday I'm going the engine hoist from my buddies garage and plan on mounting the motor Saturday morning . I took everybody advise and got a pull line installed now and hopefully every thing with pull thru with no problems. What size bolts for the motor to jackplate 1/2-13 or 1/2-20 maybe grade 5 or higher?......Ted

[macojoe]

1/2 -20, lock nuts, and all Stainless!!

[Blu_Lunch]

When we pulled the old steering cable out I tied a small piece of nylon rope to the cable and made a pull rope and when we pulled cables, I put a small pill bottle on the end to prevent snagging inside ......All the cables are thru and next week end the Merc 150 goes on....Ted

[macojoe]

Sounds great!!

Nice bottle trick!! will have to remember that the next time I do it!!