[This thread has been moved to REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS for discussion--jimh]
I'm having difficulty accessing the wiring inside the console of my 1989 18' Outrage, which looks as if a few "handyman" have been in there, as there are wire nuts and the VHF is in-op[erative]. I'd like to clean it up, but access through the small doors is limited.
Can I just remove the console screws and tip it up (or to the right) for better access? It has (been converted to) hydraulic steering, so no cabling [concerns]. Appreciate any help from the forum. Thanks in advance--PK
1989 Outrage 18: Access Inside the Console
Re: 1989 18' Outrage access inside the console
Pete -
The most straight forward way is to remove the screws in the L bracket and tip the console forward. If you are going to do extensive work, you can remove the floor/shelf for complete access.
Be careful you have slack in the wiring, throttle/shift cables when tilting the console.
The most straight forward way is to remove the screws in the L bracket and tip the console forward. If you are going to do extensive work, you can remove the floor/shelf for complete access.
Be careful you have slack in the wiring, throttle/shift cables when tilting the console.
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
Re: 1989 18' Outrage access inside the console
Thanks for the response Phil.
I just need to get access to where the clam shells pass the wires through the top surface. Can I tip it to starboard, if I'm not disconnecting battery wires (batteries are relocated in console) and steering cables?
Looks like the plywood bottom will present problems?....
Thanks,
Pete
I just need to get access to where the clam shells pass the wires through the top surface. Can I tip it to starboard, if I'm not disconnecting battery wires (batteries are relocated in console) and steering cables?
Looks like the plywood bottom will present problems?....
Thanks,
Pete
Re: 1989 18' Outrage access inside the console
Pete -
Before unscrewing the console, consider this:
If you unscrew the instrument panel on the starboard side of the steering wheel, you can move it to the side and reach in with your hand. The old bus bar is typically attached to the backside of the instrument panel.
Before unscrewing the console, consider this:
If you unscrew the instrument panel on the starboard side of the steering wheel, you can move it to the side and reach in with your hand. The old bus bar is typically attached to the backside of the instrument panel.
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
Re: 1989 Outrage 18: Access Inside the Console
Phil,
Thanks for the tip. Yes, that worked.....but my DMM quit on me.
Pete
Thanks for the tip. Yes, that worked.....but my DMM quit on me.
Pete
Re: 1989 Outrage 18: Access Inside the Console
I noticed when on a tour of the Boston Whaler factory that rigging and electrical wiring of the center console was usually accomplished by having the center console elevated above the installer. The installer worked on the center console from underneath it, and the installer could still stand up normally, reaching overhead to the very top of the console inner space.
Re: 1989 Outrage 18: Access Inside the Console
Another method to approach the wiring and rigging of a center console which will present a problem for access is to pre-assembly the system before mounting them in the center console. Take some measurements and make a temporary rigging fixture. Mount the components on the temporary fixture and run the wiring to them. When the console wiring is finished as an assembly, then install it in the console.
Boston Whaler typically uses multi-pin connectors to connect wiring harnesses installed in the console to other wiring harnesses coming from other areas of the boat to the console. I don't particularly like that approach because the connectors, their sockets, and their pin contacts introduce more points of failure in the circuit compared to a direct wire between wiring points. I am sure Boston Whaler uses the connector method to reduce rigging time. As long as very good connectors are used, the results can be very good. I am sure the Space Shuttle wiring was not all point-to-point, either.
Boston Whaler typically uses multi-pin connectors to connect wiring harnesses installed in the console to other wiring harnesses coming from other areas of the boat to the console. I don't particularly like that approach because the connectors, their sockets, and their pin contacts introduce more points of failure in the circuit compared to a direct wire between wiring points. I am sure Boston Whaler uses the connector method to reduce rigging time. As long as very good connectors are used, the results can be very good. I am sure the Space Shuttle wiring was not all point-to-point, either.
Re: 1989 Outrage 18: Access Inside the Console
Phil,
Thanks for the tip. Yes, that worked.....but my DMM quit on me.
Pete
Thanks for the tip. Yes, that worked.....but my DMM quit on me.
Pete
Re: 1989 Outrage 18: Access Inside the Console
On my 1983 15' Center Console I hinged the front which allowed me to simply roll the console forward when I worked on it. Very convenient. This worked well because the console was straight edged.
Great access. You can see one of the hinges here.
On my 1997 17 Outrage II I couldn't hinge the console because it was curved along the front edge. But, It was still simple to remove the screws and roll the console forward.
This is before I started cleaning and working.
It sure made re-wiring and moving things around a lot easier.
My current 1999 21 Outrage has a T-top, so no more rolling the console forward. Fortunately the console is big enough in this boat to get inside and sit while working 'behind the scenes'.
Great access. You can see one of the hinges here.
On my 1997 17 Outrage II I couldn't hinge the console because it was curved along the front edge. But, It was still simple to remove the screws and roll the console forward.
This is before I started cleaning and working.
It sure made re-wiring and moving things around a lot easier.
My current 1999 21 Outrage has a T-top, so no more rolling the console forward. Fortunately the console is big enough in this boat to get inside and sit while working 'behind the scenes'.
Thanks,
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
1999 Outrage 21, Yamaha SW Series II 200
1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
1983 15 SS, Honda 50
1980 42 Post
1983 34 Luhrs 340 SF
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
1999 Outrage 21, Yamaha SW Series II 200
1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
1983 15 SS, Honda 50
1980 42 Post
1983 34 Luhrs 340 SF
Re: 1989 Outrage 18: Access Inside the Console
Duane, thanks for the response and great work!!
I'll have to look at the leading edge of my console, but I now know at a minimum, I can tilt it forward.
PK
I'll have to look at the leading edge of my console, but I now know at a minimum, I can tilt it forward.
PK
Re: 1989 Outrage 18: Access Inside the Console
ASIDE to PORTHOLE: heya, Duane, that was very nice work on the re-fit of the console wiring and steering. Thanks for sharing the images with us.