Rebellious Teenager Keelbolts and their green hair!

[wsmac]

Getting to work on the wiring for my 1985 Hunter 28.5
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Wondering about the best way to deal with the grounding wires attached to my keelbolts.
Seems as though the Redneck Method (well versed with this from childhood) of wrapping bare wires between the nuts just isn't workin there in the bilge! LOL
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Haven't found a ring connector 3/4" in dia yet... hahaha
Was thinking of either a SS or copper thin plate, sandwiched between the 2 nuts, with attachment points for the ground wires.
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This area is easy to access and work in, so regular inspections will be easy and catching future corrosion will be easy as well.
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I'm planning on replacing all the wiring in this boat, keeping the original switch panel.
No inboard motor at the moment but an electric propulsion system is waiting to go in later this Summer.
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In the pics...
The two bolts are immediately aft of the mast support post.
The corrugated tube with the fat white wire (taped off of course ) and some others exits from the mast support post.
The wires to the starboard side are all the bilge pump and switch wiring.
There are wires off to port as well.
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So... suggestions on using a SS or copper plate between the nuts for wire attachment?

Thanks!

[Jim Cate]

I drilled and tapped 1/4-20 holes axially in the top of keel bolts for this purpose, and this has worked well for years However, our bilge is dusty dry, so corrosion is not an issue for us.

Jim

[wsmac]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

I drilled and tapped 1/4-20 holes axially in the top of keel bolts for this purpose, and this has worked well for years However, our bilge is dusty dry, so corrosion is not an issue for us.

Jim

Interesting idea!
I'm still leaning towards making a contact plate though... I'll keep your idea in mind... could also tap the top nuts

[Zil]

Something like this? https://www.bluesea.com/products/234..._Mount_BusBars

[wsmac]

Originally Posted by Zil

Something like this? https://www.bluesea.com/products/234..._Mount_BusBars

Pretty much but with a larger diameter hole for the keel bolts

[Zil]

I took a closer look. Is that stainless steel? Bolt, nut, wire, nut, washer? No, No the wire isn't stainless. If at all possible, connect wire or junction block directly to the part that conducts electric better than stainless.

[Zil]

Here is a link for good quality copper bars and chunks.
https://www.onlinemetals.com/merchan...p=2&top_cat=87