posted 12-14-2012 12:14 PM ET (US)            

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Hi Dave--Yes, the two conductors were joined with solder--probably 60/40 rosin core solder. At the present time I don't know if you can still get good solder like that. There seems to be all kinds of new substitutes that apparently are made with less hazardous elements. The new solders are what we old guys in the shop call Commie solders. They're part of a vast global conspiracy to undermine capitalism, in this case with bad solder so nothing can be repaired. But I digress.

With Boston Whaler boats having some wiring embedded in the hull, it often happens that only a very short portion of the conductor extending out from the hull survives after 30-years of neglect. My method shows a way to make attachment to those very short stubs of wire. You also need to apply some sort of insulation. This is a good situation for a paint-on insulation, such as a liquid electrical tape insulation. But be sure you have made a good contact with the old conductor before applying. Once you paint it with black liquid insulation it will be very difficult to get back to a bare wire to redo the connection.