How to Wire a 1990 Spectrum Boat

Spectrum boats were designed as an entry-level vessel used for fishing and water skiing. Originally manufactured by Mercury, the Spectrum became popular because of its low price. Due to environmental factors such as moisture, Spectrum boats require maintenance and repair, especially where wiring is concerned. A professional boat yard can replace the wiring but the cost is often high. Use a few basic wiring techniques to wire a 1990 Spectrum boat, saving the cost of hiring a boat yard.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdrivers
  • Plastic bags
  • Rags
  • Cotton swabs
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Measuring tape
  • Wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Wire strippers
  • Wire mounts
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Instructions

    • 1

      Access the boat's primary wiring. The primary wiring for a spectrum boat is found behind the dashboard. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the dashboard's mounting screws. Place the screws in a plastic bag after removing them. Pull the dashboard off of its mounting frame.

    • 2

      Inspect the wiring for corrosion. Examine the terminals or wiring connection points, looking for corrosion on the terminal's bare metal. Make a note of all corroded areas. Check the wires for damage to the shielding, noting the locations.

    • 3
      Use cotton swabs to remove the corrosion.

      Clean the wiring terminals. Dip the tip of a cotton swab into the container of rubbing alcohol. Gently rub the tip of the swab across the corroded surface until the corrosion is removed. Repeat this process for each terminal.

    • 4

      Determine which wires need to be replaced. Any wire with damaged shielding needs to be replaced. The damaged wiring will be replaced with identically colored wiring of the same gauge. Wires have the gauge printed on the shielding. Note the gauge, color and length of each wire.

    • 5

      Note the size and type of the wiring mount. The mount attaches the wire to the terminal with a bolt or crimped connector. Purchase the replacement wiring and wiring mounts from a marine parts store.

    • 6
      Use pliers to loosen and remove the mounting bolts.

      Remove the old wiring. Remove one section of wiring at a time. If the wiring is held in place with a bolt, use a pair of pliers to loosen the bolt from its mount. If the wire uses a crimped terminal connector, gently pull the crimped connector from its mount. Repeat the process for the other end of the wire.

    • 7

      Cut the wire to length. Measure the length of the old wire. Using wire cutters, cut off an equal length of new wire of the same color and gauge.

    • 8

      Strip the ends of the wire. The wire needs to have 1/2 of an inch of bare wire exposed at both ends. Place one end of the new wire in the jaws of a wire stripper 1/2 of an inch down from the wire's end. Squeeze the handle and pull the shielding off, repeating the process for the other end.

    • 9

      Attach the new wire mounts. Bolt-on and crimped terminal connectors attach in the same way, by crimping the connector's sleeve to the wire. Use a pair of pliers to crimp the new connector onto the half inch of bare wire. Repeat the process for the other end of the wire.

    • 10

      Mount the wire. Reattach the wiring to the terminals. After the new wire is connected, move on the next damaged wire, repeating the replacement process for each one.