Running wire from Transom to helm on a 330

[kirk a]

Need to install a new sensor at the motors for my autopilot. The existing one looks to go into one of the two rigging tubes in the transom. The autopilot head is behind the gauge bubble at the helm.

I have not found a thread on what needs to come apart to access the wiring run.

I know that the gauge panel at helm has to come out, and I suspect the tub will need to come out at the same time, to get access. Does the starboard side wall in the mid berth need to be removed for this process?

My general plan is to disconnect the wire at the head unit, and attach to either string or a snake, pull it through to the transom, then reverse process to run new wire back to helm.

For those who have done it, what are the tricks of the trade for the 330 specifically?

Assuming that the electronics tub is coming out, I also will remove the wire to the old transom transducer as part of this.

 

[HMBJack]

Here's how I did it:

Remove the black switch panel at the helm (near the throttles).
Remove the entire starboard side panel in the aft bunk covering up the head unit. Not just the small panel.
Carefully remove the AC/DC Panel in the cabin and let it hang.
Run a snake from the starboard cabin Head area to the stern. This is the harder part BTW.
The snake will exit from a PVC rigging tube very close to your Generator Fuel tank
Next, run a snake from the forward section of the head area UP to behind the AC/DC Panel
Easiest to first get it behind the AC/DC Panel area, then go UP again to the "tub" area you mention.
No need to remove the tub in my opinion.

For a snake, I use a Plumber's spring style one as well as a 6-8' piece of Romex greased up a bit
Sometimes you'll do damage removing old wire as it is likely zip tied in places you can't reach.
I try to do this but if it won't budge, I leave it as is.

Hope this helps.

 

[kirk a]

Following up. The job was done yesterday. Turned out to be easier than anticipated. Pretty much removed the same components as outlined by HMBJack above. Most difficult part was not snaking the wires, but turned out to be the final connections of the tiny wires inside the helm area. I was unable to figure out how to remove the base of the junction box so had to connect in place.

So different than previous boats where the wiring chase was full and probably undersized. The chase was plenty big, and no issue pulling old wire through or snaking new. Did not even need lube. I did find that a previous owner had replaced the sensor at some point, and took the cheesy way out by splicing the wires in the bilge area aft. Glad that I found and ran the full wire.

Thanks again,
HMBJack