Jose Gaspar's 250 CCP needs a re-wire...

[Capt. Bob]

I realize you've rigged this way for years but I often wonder if wrapping antenna/data leads cause any loss of signal? More of a radio/ computer type question. It seems we always have so much extra cable with these devices and a lot of folks just cram it where it will fit. I loop mine but that still looks crappy.

I'd give ya an "atta boy" but this is just what we expect from you.    

 Maggie's doing great, second chemo session yesterday, she feels fine, last visit to the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow morn...

Excellent Bob.  
This is one of the very few topics I feel comfortable discussing. I've seen a number of people suffer worst from the meds used to treat chemo side effects that they quit altogether. It good to know she is handling this treatment well.

Best to you both.

[seabob4]

Answer that when I get back, CB.  Have to go to the orthopedic now, kind of a pointless visit, but whatever...

[seabob4]

Anyway, CB, back to the question, in regards to "dog boning" up the extra cabling.  To be honest, I've been doing it that way for close to 20 years now, with never a complaint in regards to bottom machine performance, radar performance, VHF, whatever.  In the last year I have done 2 Simrad CHIRP installs.  CHIRP (compressed high intensity radar pulse) is the absolute bomb when it comes to depth sounders, these units (and their ducers) can pick up a return on a fish hanging 2' off the bottom in 6,000' of water!  The 2 customers both fish the Gulfstream intensely, mainly the ledges where you can have a depth change from 600' to 2500' in a matter of 30 yards.  Both have reported back that the CHIRP results are phenomenol!  Extra cable dog-boned up in the same fashion you see pictured.  Also have done several Lowrance Structure Scans the same way, all working beautifully.  So I'm guessing my method doesn't hurt...

If you have ever installed the older radars, Raytheon, Furuno come to mind, the radomes typically came with 15 M of cable, about 48'.  On CC boats back in the 90s, most people installed the display in the overhead electronics box, so the "as the crow flies" distance from the radome to the head unit was at the most 3'.  So, what do you do with the other 45' of cable?  Couldn't cut out the excess then splice back together, as the old analog radars, the radome was calibrated to the cable length.  Shorten the cable?  Have to call in a factory guy to re-calibrate the radome ($$$).  So.....I would have 3 big dogbones of radar cable in the ebox!!  The cable is probably close to 7/16" in diameter.  Basically, there was no way to make that look pretty!!

Today's digital radars are a piece of cake, as all the data is transmitted over a CAT-5 erthernet cable.  Get the right length cable from Wally World, and you have a little bit left over.  The radome doesn't care what length the cable is.  Wish that was around a few years ago!!!

[JoseGaspar]

Bob, was excited to see the latest round of pics on my boat.  She is looking good.  I hope Maggie is doing well and I hope you have a nice holiday season.  Thanks for all you've done....I'm looking forward to getting her off to Phase II (motor work) and then out on the water for a little shakedown early next year.

JG (Mark)

[seabob4]

Mark,
She is basically finished!  Was going to PM you.  Just wanted to do a video for you tomorrow, explain some things.  Give me a call when you get a chance...

[icemanbryan]

Bob, was excited to see the latest round of pics on my boat.  She is looking good.  I hope Maggie is doing well and I hope you have a nice holiday season.  Thanks for all you've done....I'm looking forward to getting her off to Phase II (motor work) and then out on the water for a little shakedown early next year.

JG (Mark)

Hi Mark, what you going to do for the motor work?
I am thinking of doing a pair of something, just not sure yet

Thanks Bryan

[seabob4]

Couple last pics.  Under the helm, where Mark's electrical "critical" components are.  Trying to label everything...



New wiring (including new speaker wires) going forward for the windlass and the speakers...



That was fun as I had to cut out the anchor locker b/head to access the old switch and get the wires forward, same thing the dumass before me did.

And just so you know, even the behind the scenes stuff, that you'll only see if you lay on your back and look up, gets the same treatment.  Trim tab switch and harness, 12V outlet wiring...



Other than the engine harness, all new wiring in this 250 CCP...

[pete]

Nice job,labels are a nice touch!

[JoseGaspar]

Bob, was excited to see the latest round of pics on my boat.  She is looking good.  I hope Maggie is doing well and I hope you have a nice holiday season.  Thanks for all you've done....I'm looking forward to getting her off to Phase II (motor work) and then out on the water for a little shakedown early next year.

JG (Mark)

Hi Mark, what you going to do for the motor work?
I am thinking of doing a pair of something, just not sure yet

Thanks Bryan

Keeping what I have...single Suzuki.  When all that bad amperage was released, there were a few components on the motor that took a hit, so going to have those fixed.  Sorry...no fancy swaps or hanging twins (would love to though).

Mark

[seabob4]

So, wanted to have Mark's boat done today, but...

The float switch has a wire broken at the entrance into the switch.  Needs replacing.  The aft starboard courtesy light has a crapped out bulb holder (socket), needs replacing.  The aerator pump in the livewell is shot, needs replacing.  The foot switch for the windlass was corroded to the point of falling apart, needs a new load-carrying switch at the helm.  The VHF antenna PL-259 connector needs to be replaced.

See what Mark wants me to do, as he wants the boat to get over to the motor guys, and I need to get started on the Pathfinder...which is what I'm going to do right now!

[jdupree]

Looks great Bob   That is one sweet CCP

[seabob4]

Thank you John.  Talked to Mark, as long as I have her, going to swap out all the bad stuff for new equipment.  So she'll be at my house a little longer...