Hi folks. I’m trying to run some cables to my instruments which are cut into the panel which usually has the compass fitted in it in the cockpit. I’m really struggling to find a route into the bilges or ideally the panel behind the head in the main bed compartment from the port side instrument. Anyone remember how they ran theirs before I spend hours on it?
Fri, 22/06/2018 - 11:47am
#1
Running cables

Just read that back and is sounds as clear as mud! I just need to get a cable from the compartment under the port winch to the opposite side. (Across the companionway basically)
It's practically impossible to feed cables from the upper spaces down into the bilge. There's a couple of original cables put in during manufacture, but they must have run them before fitting the liner and hull together.
The only way I know to completely hide them involves running to the stern through the aft bunk ceiling space, across behind the carpeted board, then back the other side. Makes for a long run!
It might be more practical to try some kind of surface trunking across the aft berth ceiling. Not sure where you could get anything bendy enough though.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Thanks Rick. I'll get some extra wire in!
on a 26M i ran from the fuse panel, where i had added a couple of extra switches for Anchor light and radio. I mounted the radio on that side and so needed to run the co-ax to the aerial. I fed it to the lower edge of the roof lining which is curved up and used to run cables. Around the rear of the cabin - lashed to the cables coming down from the pedestal. Then around the lower edge on the starboard side - I ran them to the base of the mast, but you could run them up to the starboard area below the winch. there are a couple of mirrors to remove for access. Go and invest in a set of electricians rods similar to
https://www.screwfix.com/p/super-rod-srprs-polymer-cable-routing-rod-set...
https://www.screwfix.com/p/mightyrod-cable-rod-set-10m-14-pieces/5320x
The 10m set you can use to run cables down the mast
Learn to swear a lot, it will help!
Tim
I can concur with Tim, on ASHANTI 2008 M I ran a mast top aerial cable from above the heads along the starboard side and across to the switch panel level with the companion way using the same screwfix cabling rods.
I have made a short video which I’ve just uploaded to YouTube under the title Macgregor 26M wireing
Hope it goes OK
Regards
John