4.55 hull wiring problems

[Dave]

Got the boat back from the mechanic today.

The electrical problem I was having, if you remember a while ago, was due to the main battery cables.

When they were installed, they split them to run to main battery and the throttle control box.

The split was in the hull, next to the fuel tank. This area of course is where there is constant water ingree from spray, rain and the occasional, wtf I forgot to put the bung in episodes.

Consequently, over time the the joint has corroded resulting in no power to battery or control box. Lucky it didnt happen while out on the water.

All fixed now. Total cost for that repair, replacement cables and big service was $648.

So a warning to any owner, check your install of electrical cables and inspect the run of the cables to see if there is a joint in the main loom that is exposed to water and subsequent corrosion.

The mechanic up here says he has seen a few poly boats with a similar wiring job.

[mitch]

Doesn't sound good at all. Since getting my apprenticeship i tend to notice alot more things in peoples boats and cars etc. that just shouldn't have been done.
Makes ya wonder what they were thinking at times

Mitch

[jelifish]

Had the same problem with our school 4.55. Another bill that we didn't need.

[bushbeachboy]

Dave I'm assuming that it was a shonky setup by the dealer?

[Dave]

Yep it musta been. It was put together by Martin Marine but the motor was fitted by Barneys Marine in Hervey Bay. I am presuming it was Barneys that ran the cables for battery and control box but I am not going to point the finger.

Suffice to say, it is something that all members with similar boats should check out to ensure an breakdown doesnt occur at sea!
As Jelifish says.. another bill I didnt need...

[jelifish]

Ours was done by Martin Marine in Hervey Bay as well.

[Pirate Pete]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

That makes the problem with my bilge pump just a small issue but still a symptom of the same lack of thought.

That second skin makes a nice place to run the wires but water does get in there.

[Dave]

No Pete, this was ontop of the normal hull you see when you lift the floor. Right next to the fuel tank!

AND now the story continues

I was too crook again today to get out in the boat so Ben my son took the boat out for a couple of hours. You would think after parting with 690 worth of the hard earned, the boat would fly as if fitted with an ETEC.

Nupe! missed and farted and carried on. Wouldnt go over 3700rpm. Not sure whats happening there? Will have to wait till next week to try it now.

Only thing I can think of is the fuel. Its been sitting for quite some months now and I am wondering if the fuel is stale and therefore not firing off properly.

I think I will drain the tank, which is a bummer cos its pretty much full and replace it at $1.70 per litre. grrrr. fricking boats

[Pirate Pete]

That would give you the irrits

We dont seem to have much trouble with fuel going off down here in cold old Tassie so I cant help you there

[Doug]

You usually get away with topping it up with fresh fuel Dave, rather than draining away the whole lot. Can you sell some to the natives for their asthma?