Wiring Loom Repair on Predator: Getting Back on the Water After Engine Failure

We were recently contacted by Supreme Fishing Trips based in Padstow, regarding an urgent issue with their charter boat, Predator, a Bullet 38. Over the winter water had frozen in the cooling system, causing a crack that went unnoticed until the boat’s first trip of the year. Unfortunately, during the trip, the engine began overheating, and the skipper managed to bring the boat back without the need for a lifeboat, which was a commendable effort.

Despite his best efforts the engine suffered irreparable damage and required replacement. During the engine replacement process, we were called in to deal with an additional issue—the main loom to the rest of the boat had been severed. We were tasked with carefully tracing the old wiring, identifying each connection, and matching it up to the new engine wiring.

We connected the new wiring using high-quality waterproof connectors to ensure durability. This upgrade means there’s no need for the wiring to be cut again if it ever needs replacing in the future, preventing any further issues down the line.

The engine wasn’t yet ready for a test run at this point, so we returned after the first trial. The skipper reported that the temperature gauge was running backwards. We found that the new engine came with a temperature sender that was not compatible with the old engine`s gauge, so we advised him on the correct temperature sender to fit to the new engine. Once the new sender was installed, we were pleased to hear that Predator was back on the water a few days later.

Replacing an engine is never a quick job, but we were happy to have played a key role in getting Predator back on course with a fully functional electrical system.

At Crest Marine Services, we specialise in providing reliable, high quality solutions for electrical issues on both leisure and commercial vessels. If you’re facing similar challenges or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help get you back to sea!