Newb questions

[racer808]

Sorry if this has been posted, the search function did not help me. On my 02 vlx, how do you get wiring from drivers side to the passenger storage so I can mount my amps in there?

Also, where or how did you guys mount disconnects for the tower speaker wiring? I have the skylon & the fittings I have found are square & wont fit anywhere near the tower, I would have to go to where the windshield ends to mount the disconnect flush?

[Malibudude]

I ran the wiring along the gunwale around the bow.

[racer808]

I ran the wiring along the gunwale around the bow.

Man, I was hoping to avoid that. Any ideas on disconnects for the tower speaker wiring? I only came across one type but it is not going to work unless I find a better plan

[Earmark Marine]

racer808,

I hope I have the vision correct here.

You can use a small stainless steel deck gland to dress out the deckcap penetration and use an in-line disconnect.

SpeakOn/Neutrik is a great option for a pro quality connection that is solid and will pass some current. Cole hersee and Deutsch have some very good in-line options that are more compact and streamlined. You can even use a trailer plug set if you get a square one rather than flat. A little solder and heatshrink and you will barely notice the added in-line bulk.

Both SpeakOn/Neutrik and Deutsch have chassis-mount versions of their disconnects.

David

[Bradley Thornton]

This it what I used and ran it the same place the ground wire runs across. My boat maybe different but the hole is right beside the battery and on the drivers side in the back under the steering wheel.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Depthfinder-25-ft-Steel-Fish-Tape-56005/100660167#.US7hEUKRrdk

[Nitrousbird]

Here is the thread I did for wiring my tower. I used the Neutrik connectors like David mentioned. I also used the deck gland he mentioned for the tower light wire.

http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/topic/40017-how-to-wire-a-skylon-swoop-tower-for-speakers-with-pictures/

[racer808]

Thanks guys. Nitrous, did you penetrate your tower twice for the speaker cabling? Meaning the part that stays attached the boat once & again at the part where the tower comes off? Or did you just wire straight into the removable section? Would like a better pic of how the wire exits the boat & penetrates the tower if possible.

[racer808]

On my vlx, in the passenger side compartment I want to use for the amps & battery, can I just start drilling screws into the side walls to mount the amps & battery switch, are they wood, fiberglass? Do I need to do something else first?

[Nitrousbird]

Thanks guys. Nitrous, did you penetrate your tower twice for the speaker cabling? Meaning the part that stays attached the boat once & again at the part where the tower comes off? Or did you just wire straight into the removable section? Would like a better pic of how the wire exits the boat & penetrates the tower if possible.

I only penetrated the main bundle once into the tower (I don't have any of the other pics with me currently to post up). It is up the back leg of the tower, goes right in above the heim joint. The first two pics are how I penetrated into the boat. The 3rd is where it enters the tower; the small wire is the wire I ran for my tower light.

You can't run the wire through the removable section of the tower, which was my original plan. Had to go out then back into it; the Skylon Swoop is not a wiring-friendly tower by any stretch. The 5th picture shows where I went back into the removable section; you have to basically go out of the main bar and go externally into the removable section. Not ideal but there is no other way around it.

[racer808]

Thanks Nitrous, So penetrate tower bottom & again at top & then fish wires? I am fishing RCA's from the passenger storage compartment to the drivers side but the existing holes are too small. Is it okay to be chopping holes in the floor? Is there a technique I need to know? Just drill through? I already drilled one, stopped till I know it is okay

Edited March 1, 2013 by racer808