Extending The Battery Cable

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Polwart

Its lasted 2 1/2 years so it can't be too bad. (the last time I went to the boat the joint was under an inch of ice/snow and still seemed to be working fine).

Exactly and that's what Mick needs too. It's only 2ft extra and it's already inside his seat boxes for protection.
It's very easy to unnecessarily make a mountain from a mole hill.

[Dirk Diggler]

And you'll need a crimping tool similar to this!

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

.... Which you'll have to crimp ends on to!!!

Yeh, I know. I was hoping you weren't going to notice that wee flaw.

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

And you'll need a crimping tool similar to this!

Or this.

[two stroke mick]

I cannot solder for sh*t. I was think of bringing the boat down to the local garage the specialises in alternaters starters etc and ask him to but joint the cable? He will probably just crimp it however

[BruceB]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

The ONLY thing I'll say on solder V crimp is there's a reason it's illegal to solder connections on aircraft.


Personally, I wouldn't join the cable at all. I'd make a new cable.

I assume this is to do with high frequency vibrations and the cable to solder interface? I would expect failures with vibration at the point where the solder ends and flexible cable starts on something prone to high vibration levels.
I also do something similiar as a job (not on boats) and can solder and have access to HD crimping tools. In fact I have crimped cables up to 250mm Cross section using hydraulic tools in the past although I suspect we are not talking QE3 powere distribution here.........
I suppose it really comes down to just how bothered you are about problems arising as a result of the bodge and how exposed the connections are.

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by Polwart

Hightower - not disputing that a whole new cable would be a better solution (although probably expensive, and IIRC not straightforward to fit at the engine end). However: You presumably) have crimped on connectors at both ends of your cable (one at the battery and the other in the engine) why are these any less likely to "detatch" than a connector in the middle? Why is corrosion any more likely to get into these connections (if correctly made and enclosed) than any other electrical connection on the boat? I'm not sure what your electrolysis concern was.

My main concern about the bolt approach (as bodged on my boat) is that if any sharp edges on the nut bolt wear through the protective casing there is a small risk that both positive and negative connections wear through and could short.

No point in having any more connectors in the system than nessesary. At least connections made at the Battery and Engine end is out the water and not dangling in the bilge or anywhere. I mean, at the end of the day the guy wants some oppinions, would be bad advice to suggest he bolts two connectors to join two cables together if it fails out at Sea.

[bedajim]

New cable and crimp the ends & seal with liquid insulation/sealer

I'd go for Tinned cable from somewhere like safety marine, you can buy the crimps from most electrical factors like CEF etc and they will normally lend or hire you the crimping tool
Have a practice with the crimping tool first on some off cuts or the old cable


http://www.safety-marine.co.uk/Ancho...htm?P1231-S38-

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

I cannot solder for sh*t. I was think of bringing the boat down to the local garage the specialises in alternaters starters etc and ask him to but joint the cable? He will probably just crimp it however

If you do, make sure you provide him with marine grade connectors. The auto connectors won't last too long in a marine environment.

jky

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Hightower

No point in having any more connectors in the system than nessesary. At least connections made at the Battery and Engine end is out the water and not dangling in the bilge or anywhere. I mean, at the end of the day the guy wants some oppinions, would be bad advice to suggest he bolts two connectors to join two cables together if it fails out at Sea.

Andy - sorry been out of touch for best part of a week.

I agree - which is why I suggested that it would generally be considered a bodge but had worked for me. And also pointed out that in my case loosing charging or starting wasn't "critical" for me and it might be for him.

Neil

[two stroke mick]

I have decided to follow your advice Dirk asn get the cable extended and but jointed professionaly. Thanks for the advice

TSM