I want to add an electrical receptacle on the fly bridge as well as on the level between the main deck and fly bridge of our 44 foot Gibson standard. My question is in regards to wire to use. I am installing 15 amp GFI receptacles in both areas and  marine wire is somewhere in the area of $2.50 / foot (14 ga.) or about $120.00 for the entire job. Can another type of wire be used or is this an area where I have to bite the bullet and pay up? Safety would be my first concern but options will always be investigated. Thank you

Someone might disagree with me, but whatever you'd use in your house
would work unless a lot of it is going to be exposed directly to the
sun & outside elements. Even then you could use wire rated
for outdoor use or burial in ground that might be less expensive than
marine grade. I haven't priced it lately so may be worth checking
before paying $2.50/ft.



More important is to get receptacles & box designed for outdoor use.

My concern with the wire is vibration caused by boat movement and being slammed around by boats raising a big wake. The marine wire is individually tinned strands that are tough to break due to its very makeup. Thats why the crap is so expensive.

All of the components will be weather resistant so that is not a real concern.

I am doing this so that we can use an i-pod with the Bose docking system. This is completely portable, volume will knock your socks off without any loss, costs maybe less than a high end stereo system, and is small. Amazing what those Bose people have done.

Ken, if you ever plan on selling the boat, household-type Romex wiring will never pass a survey.  If you plan on keeping it forever (we all do, don't we?), then let your conscience and your sense of well-being be your guide.

Sailer1,

I also have a 44 Standard and I am going to tell you something that goes against all present standards so take it with a grain of salt.

My old Gibson has solid wire throughout and I have never had a problem. This is even more amazing when you consider that NONE of the outlets or switches are enclosed in boxes. You can just open a cabinet and look behind them and see the wires. I agree this is not optimum but it was the way they did things back then.

The new safety standard is enclosed boxes and stranded wire because it is more flexible and less likely to vibrate loose. But I have not bothered to try and change any of it out because of the expense and I would have to tear the boat apart to run new wire. So I would probably take the chance and use a good quality household wire that is rated for outside usage. I do not get that much pounding that would vibrate a wire loose anyway though it is always possible.

Of course when both our boats catch fire and burn to the waterline don't call me. And OHB please forgive my blasphemy.

Judge -- you brought up a good point that I had not thought of. None of the switches or receptacles are inserted into a box and if this were household electric being inspected, all of it would have to come our. Do none of the boat manufacturers have to abide by NEMA rules? I am really surprised that they can get away with this and that half of the boats afloat have not burned.

The previous owner, a general contractor, had wired to install various components and romex was used, so when I really get down to think about the whole situation, the question is moot. I think just to make myself feel better, I will try to purchase the correct wire from a friend who is a boat dealer. I hate to take advantage but I guess I have moved enough boats for the Minneapolis boat show for him and he may help me out here.

Let you know how the install went and how the Bose system sounds.

Vic -- Your points were taken but I really have no way to go with the previous owners work so I'll have to make sure that "Suite Retreat" does not crash and burn.

thanks for the input.

A good compromise is to purchase an extension chord of the correct AWG for the load and cut the ends off. This is stranded wire (designed to flex continuously and stand up to weather) and if hard wired in to your devices is safe. Each conductor is fully insulated (including ground) which is more than you can say for Romex. You can pick up a really nice one pretty cheap just about any where. Won't pass a survey, I'm sure, but is a nice compromise for safety.

I agree with Tonka on the extension cord. On my old Nautaline the power from the panel to the rooftop A/C's was a 10/4 dock cord type cable(factory installed). considering where you are using it it should be OK.