Cable Routing

[David Hoch]

I've got my new 260 home safe and sound after trailering her 2600 miles from Sarasota to Las Vegas. Now the fun starts - adding the needed gadgets and rigging her to my liking.I need to run the electrical cables from the motor to the battery. Is there any special place to drill the hole or is there a passage that I haven't found yet? Is there a nice weatherproof fitting that you've used to keep the water out?Also, do you just place the gas tank under the helm seat? Has anyone put in some tie-downs for it?

 

[MABell]

Marinco Plug

Marinco makes a waterproof plug and socket (part # 009_275_007_500) that they call a trolling motor plug – but it’s the best built plug I’ve seen for that sort of application. Make sure you get the polarity correct.

 

[Jim Seamans]

David, Try looking at this area

There is an area behind and under where the motor mounts are. Crazy Dave, installed a regular shore power connection thru the hull for my engine to battery (white square cover). I also placed a couple of other thru the same area. Autopilot and 12 volt power to the pedestal.JimS/V Java

 

[David Hoch]

Thanks to ALL of you...

I'll get the Marinco setup - West Marine has it here in Las Vegas. I couldn't find the current rating of the plug but if it takes 8-guage wire, it should handle 60-80 amps. I think I measured my Honda 9.9 cranking current at 60 amps one time.

 

[Brian]

Second the Marinco

I used the Marinco trolling motor plug and it works perfect. It is nice to have a quick disconnect becuase I remove the motor when the boat is stored (THIEVES). I used 8 gauge wire from the battery to the Marinco and have not had any problems. Maker sure you buy two different colors of wire (red and black) so you will never accidentally reverse the polarity at the battery, follow the instructions on wiring the plug and you'll have no problems.

 

[MABell]

David....

Think you will find your motor puts out about 6 to 10 amps - just so you will know.

 

[George H260]

You might want to check out what I've done on my H260. I did an extensive re-wire job last winter.Cable routing depends on where you want to put your battery. Hunter puts it behind the aft wall in the rear bunk - very diffucult to service and get to. I'd suggest moving it to either under the galley sink or the port lockers. You won't have much trouble rounting the cable to those locations.Re color of wire mentioned previously: The ABYC allows black negative wiring but prefers YELLOW DC negative conductors. This lessens the chance of connecting AC and DC systems.Also size of wire depends on length of run. Check Don Casey's book on "Sailboat Electrics". Lots of good tips. http://webpages.charter.net/gkobernus/H260_web/electrical.htm