Pulling wires through transom 405 Aft Cabin

[Mikwallace]

I’m researching several winter projects some of which require drilling holes through transom and running wires. If I do them I’ll make separate threads for each. Projects in mind are:

- Trim Tab Indication at Helm. Currently have Bennett Hydraulic (OEM I guess) Tabs but there’s no indicators at the helm and I just have to guess their position. I’ve researched and know the parts to get.

- Possibly stern thruster. Again, I’ve found the product and parts list.

- Under water lights. Still researching the parts. Recommendations solicited!

- RV100 Transducer that came with my Chartplotter. I have read and will do more research that a transom mounted transducer is ineffective due to Propwash? I don’t fish but since I have the equipment it would be cool to view the 3d products. Any input from you guys would be appreciated. I’ve also read at low speeds the transom mounted transducer is OK? Other articles I’ve read say put a thru hull RV200 in front of the props for full benefit.

ALL of the above modifications require drilling through the transom to run the wires. I’ve done this before on other boats I’ve owned without issue and feel comfortable doing so. However; with this 1998 405 Aft Cabin it appears to be virtually impossible to maneuver the wires through the transom to the area under the Aft Cabin bed area in order to send them to the appropriate location. It looks like the Aft Fuel tank blocks all viewing and access of the transom?

Is there a trade secret to maneuvering that area? My plan is DIY this winter when I pull the boat for inspecting below waterline.

Thanks in advance!

[g36]

As you see the aft fuel tanks are in the way. Fishing wires through the area is not a big deal but Personally I am not drilling through that area to take any chances. I did my projects about 8 years ago and did not pull my boat for any of this. all done in the water so no transom drilling. . Trim tab indicators would be nice but I just put them down get on plane and then trim the boat to speed. Ive bever ever had indicators so i dont need that. on my 405 I used surface mount underwater lights. I actually mounted mine on my trim tabs. They werent made for that but i adapted them to make it work that way. I really dont fish either. I had a lowrance structure scan that I use on my other boat so I did mount its transducer on the stern centerline on the boat and it works fine at slow speeds. I used a flat plate down vertically from the bolts on the sacrificial anode and Installed it as designed and my 3rd underwater light. Ran wires up and out of the water underneath swim platform nearest transom where they enter the boat all Sealed and water tight I've had no issues since.

[km1125]

When you do it, definitely take some pictures and/or draw up some diagrams as I'm sure future members would appreciate it! I'd also be curious to see what you find and figure out. I've not been inside one of those so I'm curious, but I've heard access is definitely a challenge.

And if you're pulling the boat anyways to do the work out of the water, I'd REALLY be pushing for the RV-200 installation as that really would give you full performance. Putting the transducer on the stern will always be some kind of compromise in performance.

[Mikwallace]

QR_BBPOST As you see the aft fuel tanks are in the way. Fishing wires through the area is not a big deal ………. Ran wires up and out of the water underneath swim platform nearest transom where they enter the boat all Sealed and water tight I've had no issues since.

Did you enter wires through the transom or swim platform? At center-line or offset to one side? Did you make stainless steel brackets to mount lights to trim tabs? Your method sounds easier than trying to fish wires around the fuel tank. There’s just not much wiggle room!

[Mikwallace]

QR_BBPOST When you do it, definitely take some pictures and/or draw up some diagrams as I'm sure future members would appreciate it! I'd also be curious to see what you find and figure out. I've not been inside one of those so I'm curious, but I've heard access is definitely a challenge.

And if you're pulling the boat anyways to do the work out of the water, I'd REALLY be pushing for the RV-200 installation as that really would give you full performance. Putting the transducer on the stern will always be some kind of compromise in performance.

Most definitely will take pics. Just looked at $$$ of RV-200 and removed it from consideration in my plan. I’m sure it’d be great and provide excellent view; however, I’ll use those $$$ elsewhere.

[km1125]

QR_BBPOST
Most definitely will take pics. Just looked at $$$ of RV-200 and removed it from consideration in my plan. I’m sure it’d be great and provide excellent view; however, I’ll use those $$$ elsewhere.

If you sell the RV-100, it would take one $ off the $$$.

[g36]

QR_BBPOST

QR_BBPOST As you see the aft fuel tanks are in the way. Fishing wires through the area is not a big deal ………. Ran wires up and out of the water underneath swim platform nearest transom where they enter the boat all Sealed and water tight I've had no issues since.

Did you enter wires through the transom or swim platform? At center-line or offset to one side? Did you make stainless steel brackets to mount lights to trim tabs? Your method sounds easier than trying to fish wires around the fuel tank. There’s just not much wiggle room!

I ran the wires up through bottom of swim platform apx above trim tabs. Then on inside they were easy enough to see and grab by removing the access panel in aft cabin headboard on port side and access panel stbd side. Yes stainless plate bolted onto trim tabs.