Sourcing connectors and other hardware.

[The Garbone]

I have a new old boat and will be doing a very large amount of rewiring etc I have a question. What is a good source of quality waterproof connectors, wire, parts that is reasonably priced? I have been buying locally at the ship store and West Marine but they either lack in selection and/or price. I need to build up a stock of spares in addition to near future projects. Gary

[Cheechako]

The tinned connectors with the shrink tube built in are the best. Anchor brand etc. Be sure to buy in the big pack and they are much cheaper. It seems like we'd never use a 100 pieces but they do disappear if you are rebuilding a boat! When you buy, watch out that you get them with a hole big enough for most of the attachment screws! I usually just get them for #10 screws so they fit most everything. Nothing worsse than discovering those 100 pack of connectors have holes too small to attach to most your power strips!
Figure out what kind you want then do a search for best prices by MFg/item number is the best advice I can give.
Hopefully someone who has done this recently will chime in.

[Annie in WA]

I recommend FTZ shrink wrap terminals. My opinion from our refit is that they are reasonably priced and good quality.

[wingless]

The crimp connectors I prefer are also Ancor from West Marine. I use regular double-crimp, except for bilge wiring, where I use the adhesive lined crimp connectors.

The T&B crimp connectors are also very good, are appropriately-priced and are available in bulk.

Ensure that appropriate high-quality crimp tools are used. This link shows the crimp tools I use on small and medium sized wires. This link shows the tool I use for battery cables.

[Badsanta]

I bought all my wire and parts from genuendealz online and ebay. I found them half the price of west with free shiping. I would receve most in two days. Great stuff. Just a happy custimer

[steamgoat]

X2 for Genuinedealz, excellent prices,good quality and quick and free shipping.

[fkittson]

I have been buying all of my wire/connectors and tools from DelCity they seem to be the best prices

[JK n Smitty]

Here is article on wire termination for smaller connections. And here is one on battery cables.

When I did my electrical project, I used Genuine Dealz for the larger battery type cables and fuse block holders and Defender for the smaller crimp connectors with shrink wrap. I would not recommend the Genuine Dealz fuses. Go with Blue Sea Systems' fuses.

Good luck and fair winds,

Jesse

[wingless]

Originally Posted by JK n Smitty

Here is article on wire termination for smaller connections. And here is one on battery cables.

These both point to the same page.

[Colin A]

I would try genuine dealz or delcity for wire both have good prices. On the fuses the blue sea fuse blocks are some of the best but I believe blue sea sells cooper bussman fuses which you should be able to get cheaper elsewhere. I think sailor solutions sells the FTZ crimps which alot of people seem to like but I haven't tried yet. ( I usually grab Panduit or Molex ones from work)

[cheoah]

Originally Posted by JK n Smitty

Here is article on wire termination for smaller connections. And here is one on battery cables.

When I did my electrical project, I used Genuine Dealz for the larger battery type cables and fuse block holders and Defender for the smaller crimp connectors with shrink wrap. I would not recommend the Genuine Dealz fuses. Go with Blue Sea Systems' fuses.

Good luck and fair winds,

Jesse

+1

Get them to make your cables.

Also use the blue sea mrbf fuses on batt terminal, good solution.

[Dockhead]

www.newark.com

[The Garbone]

Thanks for the tips. A few $100 of stuff is now on its way. Ehhh, can't take it with me.

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by Annie in WA

I recommend FTZ shrink wrap terminals. My opinion from our refit is that they are reasonably priced and good quality.

FTZ or Ancor are both good in bulk and can be sourced via eBay or Amazon at a considerable discount to retail.

I bought the Ancor double crimper and about 300 heat shrink connectors of various types at the same time. Beats little bags of four or six from the chandlery