wires in compass binnacle?

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dave

I was working on a used O'Day 28 I recently purchased and wanted to put the old-fashioned compass back into the pedestal (binnacle?). I noticed various wires running thru the binnacle to where an IPOD instrument was attached, which I have removed. The wires are just loose and hanging next to the wheel steering chain and gears inside the binnacle, normally hidden by the compass, and run down the binnacle into the belly of the boat I guess, have not looked for the other end yet. What bothers me greatly is that power wires and instrument wires are so close to the chain for the wheel steering and I'm concerned somehow wires and chains and gears will somehow get tangled up one day and I'll have compromised steering and I certainly don't want that. In my worst vision I can imagine a wire getting stuck in the chain and gear and preventing the emergency tiller from working since the steering will be bound up then. Any wire advice? Is it normal to have the wires running thru the binnacle and so close to the chain? How about if I encase them in a PVC tube or something? Thanks for any advice. dave
 
Feb 9, 2004
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Binnacle wiring

Hi Dave - The wires in the binnacle are likely supposed to be attached to a red light so you can see the compass readings at night. If you are concerned about the wires being loose, I would add wire ties to secure them away from the chain. Good for you - it's good practice look for possible causes of problems before they manifest themselves. Best, Trevor
 
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