REWIRING BOAT

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 8:58 pm

How much should it run to have my boat completely rewired? To include new gages, switches, busbars and wiring. I have a yard in mind that gave me a ballpark figure (needs to see the boat) of $800 to $1200. Does this seem reasonable. What things should I specify and look for?

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:08 pm

Roy, a complete stem to stern rewire can be a huge undertaking depending on the vessel. Get in writing exactly what's going to get done. To do all circuits/wiring to loads is a lot of work that sometimes requires dismantling cabinetry and creating new access points. Ask for a list of circuits that will be changed out, and a list of material; not all wire and connectors are created equal.

Why do you want a complete rewire?

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:19 pm

what's up with your wires Foofer having shorts ? and $1200.00 seems low..

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:24 pm

+1 on the cost. I thought it seemed low too but not familiar with rates down there. Don't see a complete rewire job for that money. Perhaps only a few circuits apply here.

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:36 pm

First, I don't think running wire to things like the nav lights, horn or cabin lights is necessary, bu the boat has had more than a few add-a-wire sessions and has shorts that come and go, and the busbars are getting corroded. In short it is something of a cluster funk. The monthly turning of the fuses ceremony has not cured the latest short- the navlights. The original breaker-near the deck, by the right side of the helm is still operational, as is the newer breaker/splitter in the electrical cabinet. The bilge pumps appear to both be wired straight to the batteries. The panel lights are down to one lighting.......

gumper · Post by **gumper** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:36 pm

I agree with "king D". Even doing the 12 volts system only the cost of the materials alone adds up very fast. The job itself is basic for someone who is experienced but is very time consuming. You might be surprised how much you spend by the time you are done. Sounds like it may be time to bite the bullet and have it done though. I am redoing mine. After 42 years of god knows how many people doing work on my boat its time to redo everything properly.What ever you do $1200 seems low to me.

mitch · Post by **mitch** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:41 pm

Per, JTB Marine Corporation, Charlie Johnson, 100% rewire, $10,000.00
300 man Hours. Just the facts

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:43 pm

Just a palk park . When they see the boat it will be higher . Wire must be marine grade and should be tined wire . I recc ancour wire ,costly but worth it .

What makes you what to rewire it ? why not repair as needed Trojan wiring holds up well .

captainmaniac · Post by **captainmaniac** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:47 pm

+1 on the pricing being low... Figure this : 2-3 days minimum @ (lets say super cheapo hourly rate) $60/hr. Even at that you are pushing $1500 in labour alone + all wires, gauges, and any other required components.

I could see $800 to rewire a runabout, but certainly not a F boat. Beware - or it could cost you $800-$1200 to rewire, and a crap load more to fix it afterwards..

As others have said, get in writing exactly what they will and won't do for the price, and guarantee that they aren't done until everything works right.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:53 pm

Thanks gumper. You're right about the material costs; good marine electrical hardware is not cheap. Again Roy, get it in writing; a detailed list of material and their specs, and what's going to get done. To quote something like #12 wire is not good enough. It needs to give specs for key items so you know you're getting good grade marine wire for example, there are different qualities of marine wire; some better than others. Not saying you need the best, just know what you're paying for.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:02 pm

I have most of those books mitch. They are packed with usefull info. Reading those will likely give some folks the confidence to do this sort of thing themselves.

mitch · Post by **mitch** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:06 pm

Mr. Big D

Thank you for your positive reply.
As you understand, trying to helpful.

Mitch

mitch · Post by **mitch** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:16 pm

Take Care
Good Night

summer storm · Post by **summer storm** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:24 pm

mitch wrote:prowlersfish

THIS TIME YOU ARE WRONG !

The rewire price was for a similar 43 foot boat, if you don't belive, google it yourself. If you insist, I'll forward the web page?

The same goes for you, "your just posting to post"

Please, get off my back

Oh boy, I am in trouble again

The boat in question is 26 foot not 43 foot

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:28 pm

Roy,

I would first do an assessment on the wiring that you have in place now to see what the actual condition of every thing is. I would be surprised to find that the harness to the engine needs replacing. As far as "add on" wiring goes, I can understand wanting to upgrade or replace questionable leads. I'm thinking that if you feel comfortable doing electrical work yourself that we on this site could help you thru this.

This would be a good time to do a power audit to determine what your specific requirements are and build your system accordingly. Also a good time to consider isolated house and cranking systems. As far as your glass fuses go, you may want to consider switching your systems over to breakers instead. I posted some info on this last spring and I'll see if I can find the link.

Let us know if you would tackle this yourself.