Getting wiring through under deck trunking

[BogMonster]

I am shortly going to install a bilge pump in Seawolf so I'll need to run some cable for it through the under-deck trunking from the console to the transom boxes.

Trouble is the under deck trunking is already pretty full with battery leads, fuel hose, engine, VHF, nav light wiring etc. I'm pretty sure it won't just push through, that would be too easy...

I've so far come up with two possible ideas - either disconnect something else, pull through some nylon twine and then pull both wires back through together, or try and find some fairly stiff wire to push through as a "leader" to attach the other stuff to, and pull it through like that.

Any other ideas / how do those of you that do it quite a lot (or rigged your own boats) do this particular job?

[Mollers]

My sparky pal has a roll of stiff nylon stuff about 4mm thick specifically designed for pushing through cables. I left a pull-through cord in my cable duct, I used it when pulling new VHF coax through and tied another cord to the coax as a replacement.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by BogMonster

I've so far come up with two possible ideas - either disconnect something else, pull through some nylon twine and then pull both wires back through together, or try and find some fairly stiff wire to push through as a "leader" to attach the other stuff to, and pull it through like that.

That's the normal way, but run a messenger line as well ready for next time.

Originally Posted by BogMonster

Any other ideas / how do those of you that do it quite a lot (or rigged your own boats) do this particular job?

You might be able to use an old throttle cable, but if not back to option 1.

Pete

[BogMonster]

Thanks, hadn't thought of a throttle cable but offhand I don't think I could find anything long enough anyway (only for bikes etc). A bit of high tensile agricultural fencing wire is probably the best option I can lay my hands on but hopefully that will work. I also know an electrician so will pursue that option as well, ta

Must admit I have not checked to see if there is a pull through left in there so I will have a look first!

[willk]

Fine plastic piping works a treat. Think lorry air lines, beer gas, etc. Pour a bit of dilited detergent in there too, or spray the lines well with WD40 or whatever. I used some silicone oil I had, but I gather it's a no-no around hypalon...

It helps A LOT if you have a buddy to feed the line in!

[Chris]

I would be surprised if Roy had not left a pull through. One piece of advice is lubricate the wire with some washing up liquid if it really is a tight fit...

[jyasaki]

Go to a hardware store and ask for a a fish tape. It's a strip of steel tape or fiberglas wire, in various lengths, retractably spooled, and made for pulling wires through ducts, conduit, walls, or whatever.

jky

[Erin]

The other option is one of those fibreglass tent rods. They make a thinner version specifically for mousing wires through ducts for electricians.

[Courageous]

Wot Mollers said and here it is:

Electricians fish tape / Draw tape - Nylon 10 metre | eBay

[two stroke mick]

use KY jelly for lube in conjested spots