re wiring + new gauages on starflite

[brade_07]

I recently bought all new VDO guages for my starflite, and am also planning on re wiring the whole boat, minus any wiring coming from motor which seems to be doing fine. Who ever tried it last really messed it up, i have about 12 posotive wires going to the battery from the cabin.

Just wanted some advice on how to do this, i was gonna run a fairly thick guage cable from the battery to a fuse panel, then out to my switches and electronics from there. using all aluminum wiring of course. Also since my boat is in storage about 4 hours away, i was wondering if anyone with a starflite out there could give me the measurements for the switch panel to the left of the steering wheel. Also would anyone know if the stock mercury temp guage is electric or mechanical, its hooked up to a 87' v220 laser.

thanks any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Blizz]

Wiring

Check out this article it's very informative.
http://www.screamandfly.com/home/hull_tech/wiring_6.6.2004/wiring_1.htm

 

[brade_07]

Thanks for the link, this will help alot for wiring the boat.
also along with the size of the switch plate on the starflite, i was wondering other then water pressure and temp, if there are any other engine monitoring gauges anyone thinks i should have? fuel pressure, amperage etc...

 

[wickedrister]

I just did my entire boat

Brade I just rewired my 86 Enticer. This was a first time deal for me but I think it turned out good. You may want to think about installing front and rear buss bars for grounding points. One in the rear near the battery and one up front under the dash. You can run all of your grounds to the buss bars. This makes for a clean job and makes it that is easy to service. I also ran my primary hot to the accesory switch on the gang panel. Accesory switch must be on to power uo the gauges. I have my gauge lights wired to my running lights so gauge lights only come on with the running light. I did not use any crimp connecters on my job, sauder and heat shrink only. Takes some time but I think it was worth it. The harness is covered with automotive style wire loon and hung with nylon hangers. Yoy may want to run 1 or 2 extra wires when you make the harness. Real good idea if you go to add on later. Good luck and take your time!

 

[speedisgood]

I recently bought all new VDO guages for my starflite, and am also planning on re wiring the whole boat, minus any wiring coming from motor which seems to be doing fine. Who ever tried it last really messed it up, i have about 12 posotive wires going to the battery from the cabin.

Just wanted some advice on how to do this, i was gonna run a fairly thick guage cable from the battery to a fuse panel, then out to my switches and electronics from there. using all aluminum wiring of course. Also since my boat is in storage about 4 hours away, i was wondering if anyone with a starflite out there could give me the measurements for the switch panel to the left of the steering wheel. Also would anyone know if the stock mercury temp guage is electric or mechanical, its hooked up to a 87' v220 laser.

thanks any help would be greatly appreciated

I checked the size of that panel and on my boat it is 3inches high by 3 3/4 inches wide. I have an '86 star flight and have already rebuilt one (this will be the second one if you have any questions feel free to e-mail me @ jimranker@yahoo.com. Also on my boat the dash behind that panel is a total hack job. beware.

 

[brade_07]

Thanks alot for the replies.
i think i have a pretty good idea of how im gonna do this now.
i guess ill just wait until i get to the boat to order my new temp gauge.

thanks very much

 

[Chris E]

just a couple of thoughts - instead of running wire up to the dash for future use, we had a boat company that ran string up to the dash (4 peices) for the addition of extra electronics. made life a lot easier and no fishing. another thought would be to add a battery switch to the boat, then you don't have to worry about the battery dying if it sits for a month

 

[brade_07]

Yeah i think i am deffinetly gonna get a battery switch, im a bit confused on the ratings though. Most say they can take like 400amps like on a burst of power? my battery has 1000 CCA is this a different kind of rating?

 

[addgasgofast]

Yes, the 1000CCA is the max. total power that the battery can put out. Not what it puts out all the time. Your electrical system will only draw from the batt. what it needs and that is alot less than the 1000CCA. The max. your system would prob. draw with everything on the boat turned on, cranking over the motor and running the trim at the same time would be less than 250 amps. The 400 amp. switch will be plenty big enough.

 

[brade_07]

Ok thanks alot, i was never sure exactly how big of a switch i needed

 

[Mark]

When I did mine a local dealer had a box of brand new wiring harnesses from Lund. Sold me one for $20. On the helm end I had to cut off the ends and crimp on the right ones, but everything else was almost ideal. It was a whole lot cheaper and easier than building one from scratch. Marine wire is expensive. I bet he still has some. Try Larry at Avo Marine in Winnipeg, I'm sure he would ship it to you.