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Topic Title: 1984 chris craft 46' aquahome
Topic Summary: pulling out my hair and not too much left
Created On: 01/26/2009 05:32:58 PM
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 01/26/2009 05:32:58 PM
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dillybop
Junior Member

Posts: 3
Joined: 01/26/2009

I bought this houseboat in Bridgeport Ct. last year and had it shipped to LeClaire Ia. and have been trying to figure out the wiring and plumbing systems ever since I got it. It was a live aboard for many years and I had to replace the motors and gen set. The problem is that much of the wiring and plumbing  throughout the boat has been changed throughout the years. Does anyone have a wiring and plumbing schematics for this vessel?  I have had three other people look at it and none of us could get it to where it needs to be, I am looking for the wiring and plumbing for the interior of the vessel as I have gotten the engine and gen set wiring and plumbing figured out.
 01/26/2009 08:05:32 PM
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stmbtwle
Admiral

Posts: 2142
Joined: 04/22/2003

It doesn't sound to me like a wiring or plumbing schematic is going to be of much help. Just take it one step at a time, and you'll get there. Plan "B" is to is rip EVERYTHING out and start over.

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Willie
She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw
 01/27/2009 07:58:54 AM
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sailer1
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As "Willie" states, "rip it all out". Doing this will allow you to know exactly what you have got for wiring, you can make up your own schematic as you go along, you will find what previous owners have done wrong (not necessarily dangerous, but not quite right), you can size wires to fit a particular application and the list goes on. You may be happier in the long run if you put in a little extra effort at this time and everything is opened up. Good luck.

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Ken Paulson
1996 44' Gibson Std.
twin 350 crusaders
Upper Mississippi
 01/27/2009 11:05:59 AM
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stmbtwle
Admiral

Posts: 2142
Joined: 04/22/2003

I would only rip it all out as a last resort. If you trace individual circuits one at a time you should be able to get to the bottom of it. Only rip out what's bad, compromised, or not used. Otherwise it can get really expensive.

SAVE the old marine-grade wire; it's still usable. Automotive or household wire is best replaced.

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Willie
She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw
 01/27/2009 08:48:59 PM
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sailer1
Admiral

Posts: 328
Joined: 03/19/2004

Willie -- That works also but with an older boat, he may run into a lot of stuff best replaced and as long as he is likely to have most of the boat opened up, might as well get at it. Yes, that wire is expensive and he should save as much as possible.

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Ken Paulson
1996 44' Gibson Std.
twin 350 crusaders
Upper Mississippi
 01/28/2009 04:09:03 AM
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stmbtwle
Admiral

Posts: 2142
Joined: 04/22/2003

Rewiring from scratch is a LOT of work; and I see no point in making any more work for oneself than necessary. Old boats are enough work as they are.

It should be possible to separate the original wiring from the stuff the previous owners put in. I'd try to trace and save at least that part. If the boat is "opened up" it should be easy to trace. If it's not, running new wire isn't going to be any easier.

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Willie
She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw
 01/28/2009 08:09:59 AM
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sailer1
Admiral

Posts: 328
Joined: 03/19/2004

I agree with you. It's not the kind of job one looks forward to especially if new, very expensive marine wire is to be used. Pulling wire that is stapled to stationary members can be a real stinker and I seriously doubt if I would be up to the task.

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Ken Paulson
1996 44' Gibson Std.
twin 350 crusaders
Upper Mississippi
 01/30/2009 09:10:39 AM
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jimg
Admiral

Posts: 367
Joined: 08/13/2006

"Rewiring from scratch is a LOT of work; and I see no point in making any more work for oneself than necessary. Old boats are enough work as they are".

Amen brother. We replaced and reworked ours and still don't have all the wire replaced yet, but it does all work now

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Riverliver
 01/30/2009 10:43:03 AM
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OLD HOUSEBOATER
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Posts: 1520
Joined: 10/18/2002

The original wiring in these boats was up to standards and if it was not torn out should still be usable. If you are changing out the breaker panel to more service you should be able to ring out the original wiring and visibly trace any thing added. Try not to look at the whole thing at once but rather take it one circuit at a time.

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OLD HOUSEBOATER
 04/05/2010 06:50:00 PM
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dillybop
Junior Member

Posts: 3
Joined: 01/26/2009

Hi everyone, great news  I got the wiring and plumbing all figured out and I still have some hair left on my head. This is going to be a fun summer boating.
 04/06/2010 10:58:25 AM
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OLD HOUSEBOATER
Super moderator

Posts: 1520
Joined: 10/18/2002

This is good. Chris Craft got it right in 84. A friend of mine bouught one in early summer of that year. Loved the boat.

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OLD HOUSEBOATER
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