Attaching wire-harness to alum boat
 

Hi,

I'm putting running lights in my 12ft aluminum skiff. I'm running the
wires through a harness and want to run it down the inside chine (don't
want it down the keel, and the gunwale is outside so can't really do it
there). How do I attach the plastic harness to the aluminum? I obviously
don't want to drill holes...

Lloyd

I'd use 3M5200 if you do not EVER want to remove it, and 3M4200 if you might
want to remove it in the future. RichG
--
RichG manager, Carolina Skiff Owners Group on MSN
http://groups.msn.com/CarolinaSkiffOwners

"Lloyd Sumpter" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I'm putting running lights in my 12ft aluminum skiff. I'm running the
wires through a harness and want to run it down the inside chine (don't
want it down the keel, and the gunwale is outside so can't really do it
there). How do I attach the plastic harness to the aluminum? I obviously
don't want to drill holes...

Lloyd

Lloyd,

Didn't you every see sticky squares and wire ties?

If no, go to a local electrical supplier and tell the gut at the counter
you want some cable/wire ties and the things to stick them up. He will
know what you want and may have more than one size to choose from.

Matt Colie www.yachtek.com

Lloyd Sumpter wrote:
Hi,

I'm putting running lights in my 12ft aluminum skiff. I'm running the
wires through a harness and want to run it down the inside chine (don't
want it down the keel, and the gunwale is outside so can't really do it
there). How do I attach the plastic harness to the aluminum? I obviously
don't want to drill holes...

Lloyd

On Tue, 24 Aug 2004 19:58:23 -0700, Lloyd Sumpter wrote:

Hi,

I'm putting running lights in my 12ft aluminum skiff. I'm running the
wires through a harness and want to run it down the inside chine (don't
want it down the keel, and the gunwale is outside so can't really do it
there). How do I attach the plastic harness to the aluminum? I obviously
don't want to drill holes...

Lloyd

I'm not sure I understand what you're talking about 100%. But if I wanted
to bond flexible plastic tubing to aluminum, which is what I think you are
doing, I would probably do one of two things:

1) use contact cement (possibly automotive GOOP, which is available in
any big hardware store in the US) or

2) glue some kind of aluminum guides or clamps in place, possibly with
epoxy, then run the flexible conduit tubing through the guides.

It seems to me like a contact cement is a good choice because it would be
hard to clamp the harness in place long enough for a slow-curing adhesive.
If you can clamp it in place, then go ahead and use the 5200 recommended
by another poster.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you are trying to do.

--Mac

"Matt Colie" wrote in message
...
Lloyd,

Didn't you every see sticky squares and wire ties?

Did you even see them fall off in a dry environment?
I doubt if they would hold.

Meindert

"Mac" wrote in message
...

1) use contact cement (possibly automotive GOOP, which is available in
any big hardware store in the US) or

Be aware that many contact cements are not waterproof

Meindert

On Tue, 24 Aug 2004 19:58:23 -0700, Lloyd Sumpter
wrote:

Hi,

I'm putting running lights in my 12ft aluminum skiff. I'm running the
wires through a harness and want to run it down the inside chine (don't
want it down the keel, and the gunwale is outside so can't really do it
there). How do I attach the plastic harness to the aluminum? I obviously
don't want to drill holes...

Why not drill? Fill the holes with a little RTV or silicone seal when
you put the screws in. :)

I assume you are putting the wires through a piece of plastic tubing
and want to secure that. to the hull.

As somebody else suggested, 3M 5200 if you don't ever want to move it
again, 3M 4200 if you do. Just clean the spots with a little steel
wool before applying the 3M goop.

Later,

Tom


Later,

Tom

On Tue, 24 Aug 2004 19:58:23 -0700, Lloyd Sumpter
wrote:

Hi,

I'm putting running lights in my 12ft aluminum skiff. I'm running the
wires through a harness and want to run it down the inside chine (don't
want it down the keel, and the gunwale is outside so can't really do it
there). How do I attach the plastic harness to the aluminum? I obviously
don't want to drill holes...

Lloyd

Adhesive goo.

Meinert,

No, I never have. The only time I have seen the type I use come off has
been when the surface was unsound or not clean.

And, I don't think I have ever done anything in a dry environment.

Matt Colie

Meindert Sprang wrote:
"Matt Colie" wrote in message
...

Lloyd,

Didn't you every see sticky squares and wire ties?


Did you even see them fall off in a dry environment?
I doubt if they would hold.

Meindert

The cable tie pads with the foam tape will stick a whole lot better if you
clean the attachment surface with acetone just before applying. They also
make cable tie pads designed to mount with epoxy. (The epoxy comes with the
pads)

Rusty O