Thread: Updating and Upgrading My Skeeter F-80 Strada

First off was to pull the new wiring harness in.



Then on to the pumps. I didn't realize the pump I had in stock was a 1-1/8in output hose so I ordered a 800gph 3/4in output Bilge Pump and kept working. I installed a new Livewell Pump for the rear Livewell, the front Livewell is being disconnected. I need the storage space. So where that Supply Pump for the front livewell was I need to close up the hole in the transom. I used a composite drain tube with a screw in drain plug. After installing the drain tube I applied silicone to the plug threads before installing. That way it will never come out unless I intend it to. I'm waiting to connect the rear livewell supply hose till the pump sealant is fully cured in the transom.



I have this old box, it's leftover rigging wiring be it battery cables to 14ga wire. All new or like new. This box is almost 10 years old, I don't throw anything away. Saves lots of money.



I use Hydraulic Crimpers on all the Battery Lugs. I can't stand the die set you put in a vise then beat with a Hammer. Since I make battery cables frequently I usually have what I need in stock. Here I'm installing a Dual Battery Switch so if my starting battery needs a jump I just flip a switch. Extra heavy current carrying conductors from the battery & battery switch were needed for 12V supply so I used #6 for those.



These Stak-On pliers are almost 50 years old. I have had them forever it seems. Anyway if you look closely to the two crimp pictures for a non-insulated ring terminal these pliers product the highest current carrying crimp I know of in hand pliers. The terminals are heavier duty too.



For smaller current terminals I like these adhesive sealant shrink tube terminals. Different crimping pliers must be used so the insulation is not damaged. I heat the terminals till sealant extrudes from the ends of the insulation.



By pre-wiring the Battery Switch once screwed in place it will stay. A extra set of conductors to the Trolling Motor battery for emergency starts.



The first terminal is not sufficient for the current load so I replaced it with a heavy duty terminal before landing it on the new Ground Bus.



I buy heavy duty heat shrink for battery terminals. it's very thick and full of glue.



You can see now the added Ground Bus. Like most boats of this era this boat had one big ground splice in a place you may never find unless you're removing all the old wiring like me here. I deleted that splice and all my ground connections will terminate to this Bus.