Running new cables

[Xfirepop]

I've been updating the aging electronics on the old beast. Adding a new in hull chirp transducer. Transducer is mounted, new screen on flybridge but I can't find a way to route the cable from engine room to flybridge. All the tubes from original maufacturing are packed. I find it hard to believe boats builders didn't leave a way to upgrade electronics. Has anyone found a slick way to route new cables?

 

[O C Diver]

Remove the "orphan cables". These would be cables that are no longer used from the ghosts of electronics past. In addition, instead of running multiple sets of power wires to the flybridge, run one pair and have a fuse panel up there.

Ted

 

[Comodave]

Remove the "orphan cables". These would be cables that are no longer used from the ghosts of electronics past. In addition, instead of running multiple sets of power wires to the flybridge, run one pair and have a fuse panel up there.

Ted

Yup. There will be old unused cables in there. In our last boat I took out hundreds of feet of unused cable. Also wire pulling lubricant will help.

 

[koliver]

better if you can find at least 2 unused cables to remove, that will give you enough room to attach your new cable to the end of the second one you are removing, and pull the new one through.

When that option doesn't exist, you can drill a new hole beside the window mullion that is full of cables and run the new one in an exposed position, but beside and partly hidden by that window mullion. You can then cover the new cable with a new cover of the same material as the window mullion, so the cover just becomes part of a thicker mullion.

 

[tiltrider1]

When you pull out an old cable, attach some string to it. Makes pulling the new cable easier.

 

[Barking Sands]

As other said remove as many unused cables as you can. Run a nice strong cord through as well. Also look to see if you have any unused copper tubing for gas lines to remove if you are not using them. I pulled mine out. And in addition...having a set of these has got the job done for me many many many times.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-16-...5tyjpS-JLWfVbgx0mFEQzyWSEBXhY2qxoCHz4QAvD_BwE

 

[HeadedToTexas]

"Running" new cable is a better mental model than "pulling" new cable. You've got it right, but be wary of getting in to the situation where the chase is tight enough to where pulling is what you are doing. A string is a helpful guide, but rarely is strong enough to "pull" new cable. Those chases should be loose and not packed tight. Definitely spend the time to hunt down and remove ghost cables.

 

[Xfirepop]

Thanks All.
I did remove ghost cables but still wasn't enough room to feed a new cable with the big end on it through. Felt good to clean it up though! Eventually crawled, twisted and contorted myself enough to run the new cable parallel to the old runs. All the mfgr had to do was put one more pvc tube alongside the others in the manufacturing process... anyway now I have a sonar screen instead of a beeper. This is a 1985 boat, well cared for just never updated. A fun project boat and completely driveable while doing so.
Thanks again.