What Tool For Snaking A Transducer Cable?

[Trailer]

I'm installing a new transducer and graph and need to know what tool and where I would get it for snaking that 'ducer cable through the gunwale to the transom.

 

It's tight underneath the dash, so what the heck do I use?

 

Thanks.

[slonezp]

Solid copper wire, or How about a plastic wire fishtape? You can pick them up at any hardware, big box, or electrical supply store.

[Koofy Smacker]

I used my old transducer cable. Tied a tiny piece of string to it then electrical taped it on so it wouldnt get caught, then once i had my cable pulled out i had a string running the whole length. I did this from the console to rear deck, and rear deck to battery compartment. (I pulled up the one board on my rear deck so I could access all the wires because of how tight it was)

[tracker01]

Depending on the distance, use a straightent out metal coat hanger.

[J Francho]

I used my old transducer cable. Tied a tiny piece of string to it then electrical taped it on so it wouldnt get caught, then once i had my cable pulled out i had a string running the whole length. I did this from the console to rear deck, and rear deck to battery compartment. (I pulled up the one board on my rear deck so I could access all the wires because of how tight it was)

 

If it's there, this is the easiest way.  Sometimes the wring is bundled with zip ties, making it impossible.  I have a metal wire snake I picked up for around $10 at Home Depot that I've used for this.  Take some pics of the dash, and the gunnel area, and maybe we can help you better.

[Trailer]

I used my old transducer cable. Tied a tiny piece of string to it then electrical taped it on so it wouldnt get caught, then once i had my cable pulled out i had a string running the whole length. I did this from the console to rear deck, and rear deck to battery compartment. (I pulled up the one board on my rear deck so I could access all the wires because of how tight it was)

I see said the blind man.

[Trailer]

If it's there, this is the easiest way.  Sometimes the wring is bundled with zip ties, making it impossible.  I have a metal wire snake I picked up for around $10 at Home Depot that I've used for this.  Take some pics of the dash, and the gunnel area, and maybe we can help you better.

The cable runs right below a cup holder through the gunwale.

[Jig Man]

I've changed units at least 5 times in my boat.  I bought a cheap fishtape from Harbor Freight Sales and have used it a bunch.

[wnybassman]

I've had a 8' chuck of underground Cable TV cable I've used for that purpose for years.  That underground stuff is very stiff and has always made it to the other end of wherever I was snaking to.

[Fishing Rhino]

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100660167/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=snake&storeId=10051

[Traveler2586]

I used my old transducer cable. Tied a tiny piece of string to it then electrical taped it on so it wouldn't get caught, then once i had my cable pulled out i had a string running the whole length. I did this from the console to rear deck, and rear deck to battery compartment. (I pulled up the one board on my rear deck so I could access all the wires because of how tight it was)

Be VERY careful using tiny string as a drag-line, it can cut into the sheath of other cables/wires, which will allow moisture to penetrate the cable/wires and destroy them.  The worst part is you may not know you've done any damage for a while, then you wont connect the two events in your mind to understand what's going on.

 

In my professional opinion - The Best Way To Go is the plastic fish tape.....   Especially when your working around BATTERIES !!

[Koofy Smacker]

Be VERY careful using tiny string as a drag-line, it can cut into the sheath of other cables/wires, which will allow moisture to penetrate the cable/wires and destroy them.  The worst part is you may not know you've done any damage for a while, then you wont connect the two events in your mind to understand what's going on.

 

In my professional opinion - The Best Way To Go is the plastic fish tape.

I completely agree with what you said. Anytime you are dealing with electrical wires you have to be careful. In my instance though, I went in under the console, ran about 3 feet through openness past the throttle and seats, then popped out on the rear deck where I had pulled the panel off to access the foam filled cavity which the wires ran through. From here I could actually see that the transducer cable which WAS there had been pinched and was laying there wide open. I then took the string, tied it to the new wire and snaked it right through. If you hit an area you cannot get it through, do NOT yank or pull on it. Remember its a $80 wire in essence and if it gets stuck, most likely its not coming through no matter how much you tug on it. Just take your time, be patient and it will come through. Trust me, Ive been through all the aggravation and I ended up getting lucky but its a learning experience. Youll quickly learn how little space is left over in a bass boat for everything besides your compartments

[Traveler2586]

I completely agree with what you said. Anytime you are dealing with electrical wires you have to be careful. In my instance though, I went in under the console, ran about 3 feet through openness past the throttle and seats, then popped out on the rear deck where I had pulled the panel off to access the foam filled cavity which the wires ran through. From here I could actually see that the transducer cable which WAS there had been pinched and was laying there wide open. I then took the string, tied it to the new wire and snaked it right through. If you hit an area you cannot get it through, do NOT yank or pull on it. Remember its a $80 wire in essence and if it gets stuck, most likely its not coming through no matter how much you tug on it. Just take your time, be patient and it will come through. Trust me, Ive been through all the aggravation and I ended up getting lucky but its a learning experience. You'll quickly learn how little space is left over in a bass boat for everything besides your compartments

You make some very good points here.  But the larger the pull cord the safer you'll be.  Being able to see what your doing can make all the difference in the world.  Remember - take your time, and don't force it. 

[Trailer]

It's gonna be tighter than a dolphin's butt no matter how I do it.

[Crookedneck]

If you go to an electrical supply store you can pick up some wire gel.  It lubricates as you pull.  Then evaporates.  Or you can use a little bit of dish soap.  This will keep the wires from rubbing one each other and wearing the insulation off.  Just remember a little goes along ways.  If you can pull the thing in steps it makes it a lot easier versus pulling one long stretch.

 

Good luck and keep us posted.