Best waterproof connectors

codprawn · 23 October 2006, 18:46

Being lazy and wanting a quick fix I need to connect my new bilge pump - it's exactly the same as the old one. I can't find where the wires join so I was thinking of just snipping the wires in the transom well and splicing on the new ones. What is the best way to make these waterproof? Heatshrink or bullet connectors(yuk) or what?

I will do a proper job when the boat is out of the water - the way the weather is here I prob only have about 1/2 an hour without getting soaked to do it in.

bedajim · 23 October 2006, 18:59

try a through connecter crimp and some of this
http://www.caswelleurope.co.uk/plastidip.htm

You can always wrap it in self amalgamating tape
not sure on the spelling

James

codprawn · 23 October 2006, 19:03

I did think of both those - but haven't got any - will have to order some anyway - always useful.

fjarvis · 23 October 2006, 19:19

Hi Codprawn,

I used a cone shaped connector, you twist the wires together and push then in the cone then crimp it. The cone is made of plastic so the outer is waterproof and after i'd crimped it i filled the top of the cone with silicone.

Cheers,
Fraser

jwalker · 23 October 2006, 20:09

Codders, get a length of silicon tube used for fuel line on models. Slide a length about 25-30mm onto the cable where it is to be joined. It's very grippy, you'll need to work it along the cable. Tin both cable ends to be joined with solder. Snip them off at 45º and about 2mm long. Re-tin one of them with a wee blob of solder. Bring the 45º ends together and flow the blob of solder to make the join. Wait until it cools and then slide the silicon tube over the joint to make the seal. Totally watertight.

jyasaki · 23 October 2006, 20:50

A couple of these http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=16129F should do the trick. I usually overcoat with adhesive lined shrink tubing, just to be sure.

jky

codprawn · 23 October 2006, 21:27

As I happen to have some silicone tubing handy I will do that for now - great idea!!! I will try to get some of the Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink for when I do it later - thanks all.

Ribshop · 24 October 2006, 08:25

This may be of use

http://www.rib-shop.com/prodtype.asp...ageHistory=cat

Cookee · 24 October 2006, 08:41

We use solder and glue lined heatshrink - 2 layers for anything that may be submerged in regular use.

Simon B · 24 October 2006, 16:55

Codders,

Try Farnell catalogue and get some Raychem crimps, they are a crimp that can be heatshrunk on (also has hotmelt glue inside) then slip some glue lined heat shrink over this or alternatively PM me with your address and Ill send you what you need (please include sizes i.e the conductor and the dia of insulation)

Reason being it isnt cheap and they like you to buy lots!

Neil R · 25 October 2006, 11:40

For small quantities of those adhesive-lined heat-shrinkable butt crimp connectors I'd suggest trying Halfords. My local one in Preston had them last time I looked.

codprawn · 25 October 2006, 12:32

Thanks everyone - I found some suitable adehsive/heat shrink crimps in Maplin - didn't think to look in Halfords BUT I hate crimp connectors with a passion. Nothing beats a good soldered joint. I think I will try to get some normal glue lined heatshrink or failing that use normal heatshrink and run some superglue around the ends - it's capillary action will be ideal.

jyasaki · 25 October 2006, 17:37

The ABYC has (I believe) actually gone away from recommending solder joints on wire.

Something about the way the solder wicks up the conductor; any movement thereafter is localized to where the wicking ends, with the result being broken conductors (reduced current capability at best, no conductivity at worst.) I can see how they'd reach that, even if I've never actually seen the failure mode.

They now specify crimp connections rather than solder joints.

jky

codprawn · 25 October 2006, 22:13

It is true that a solder joint is quite brittle - in fact the most flexible cables are just bare braid as used on engine earthing straps. However I have never seen a crimp or a bullet connector that doesn't play up. One of my best mates used to be a really good auto electrician before he changed business - he swears by good old fashioned solder - and the massive old soldering iron he kept on a gas burner!!!

Cookee · 26 October 2006, 09:04

We use tinned marine grade wire and the glue in the heatshrink sets quite stiff and supports the joint to prevent flexing ...........

codprawn · 26 October 2006, 17:55

Just done it - a day without rain at last!!! Cable was already proper tinned stuff so used the trusty gas soldering iron - found some heatshrink I think was glue lined - ran superglue around the ends to make sure and then self amalgamating tape over the top to be safe. See what you mean Cookee about the heatshrink supporting the wires better - not much chance of fatigue I hope.

Why do bilges stink so much though??? Even on an open boat with gallons of fresh rain water over the last few weeks pumped out every few days and it still reeks!!!

Limey Linda · 26 October 2006, 18:10

Hi Codders
Pour 1/2 teaspoon of bleach in your wet bilge. Trust me on this one I run a swimming pool repair/service business.

jwalker · 26 October 2006, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Why do bilges stink so much though??? Even on an open boat with gallons of fresh rain water over the last few weeks pumped out every few days and it still reeks!!!

It'll be the smell of the catalyst used in the resin. It is reckoned to take about 2 years before most of it has found its way out of the laminate.

codprawn · 26 October 2006, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

Hi Codders
Pour 1/2 teaspoon of bleach in your wet bilge. Trust me on this one I run a swimming pool repair/service business.

Yes I thought of this one myself - it would get rid of the slime a treat- bleach is amazing stuff!!!

codprawn · 26 October 2006, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

It'll be the smell of the catalyst used in the resin. It is reckoned to take about 2 years before most of it has found its way out of the laminate.

I don't think it's that - it's not a chemical smell - more like a sewer!!!