How to run wires to pedestal

[geek_guy]

Need some input please.

I am installing a new GPS at the Pedestal in cockpit. I've run the transponder wire from the forward stateroom to the cockpit. But then tried to fish the wire up through the pedestal and the opening don't seem to be big enough to allow the plug in. The plug is fairly large.

So what would be the best plan of attack?

My thoughts:

1. Try to remove the pedestal to see what's at the bottom, possibly making a larger opening.

2. Try to make a new hole in the bottom outside of the pedestal. Then run the wire as best I can from the floor through the hole. Exposing some of the wire outside the pedestal at the bottom.

3. Just run the wire over the little bit of floor, then up the outside of the pedestal. Possibly finding some sort of cover to protect it.

Input much appreciated.

 

[py26129]

Maybe a stupid question, but can the plug be removed?

Matt

 

[woodster]

i ran mine up the inside of the pedestal to a hole i drill in the pedestal with a 3/4 inch hole saw just below the bulge below the compass and installed a grommet in the hole

 

[seadaddler]

More Info

What system are you installing and I just did what you doing like added sonar
depth to my raymarine C-80 and had to run another cable up into my already
crowded stainless tubing into my nav pod.
Check and see what you are using and pretty sure I had to do some splicing
of wires.
Nick

 

[geek_guy]

The plug is molded on the end of the wire. So can't be removed.

Splicing is an option. Though one I'd rather not do. But if I had the plug off the end I do think the wire would go through. But I've never liked having those nice factory sealed solid connections dorked with.

Woodser....my problem is getting it up inside the pedestal. At the bottom. I'd be fine at the top. I have the top all disassembled. I can't see down to the bottom very well, but there seems to be only 2 small holes on each side. The middle is definitely not empty.

Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[Allan12210]

I was able to get underneath the pedestal on mine and drill a new hole through the aluminum. I used a 3/4" hole saw, but heard others use a spade bit. You can see in the picture the hole with the black wires going up for my new autopilot and gps. That hole was needed as all the others were full up. Wear safety glasses as all that aluminum falls right in your face.

 

[njlarry]

With two cables and two steering wires already crowded inside the pedestal would it be better to use one of the rails?

 

[geek_guy]

I was able to get underneath the pedestal on mine and drill a new hole through the aluminum. I used a 3/4" hole saw, but heard others use a spade bit. You can see in the picture the hole with the black wires going up for my new autopilot and gps. That hole was needed as all the others were full up. Wear safety glasses as all that aluminum falls right in your face.

You are so lucky to be able to get under the pedestal. Me not so much. There is a lower level of the deck that opens only into the cockpit. Which is part of my problem. I can't see under at all, my only other hint is trying peer down from the top of the pedestal with a flashlight.

But still an option is to take the pedestal off, but my experience with dismantling is that you often find or create fun new problems when you do that. But.....

 

[ben solomon]

What about attaching a messenger line to the cable you just ran and pull it out. Then, using the non plug end, feed that from the binnacle top down the pedestal and rerun the cable via the messenger line. Good luck!