Electrical DIY?

[Friends with SCAMPS]

Hi y'all, We are replacing our batteries in our WWP19 and have been reading up on Marine electronics. Most everything is about more complicated systems that also have cranking batteries for inboard motors. Does anyone have a favorite simple Marine Electrical DIY source? This boat was set up for cruising (two owners ago) and the mass of spaghetti leading to the batteries seems a bit over the top. We're looking to get everything working again, and maybe even simplify a bit if possible. Thanks!

[Art Haberland]

well.. tell us about the systems you have installed first, what you want to install, and what you want to do.

[Friends with SCAMPS]

There are cabin lights, navigation lights, water pump (I think it's on it's own switch) and instruments. Instruments are depth finder, radio, and light for the compass. There is also a solar charger (for trickle charge I assume). It has two batteries in parallel.

I'd like to wire a bilge pump in instead of the sink fresh water pump. Other than that, I'd just like to have a basic understanding of what's what so when something stops working I have a clue as to troubleshooting.

I have a general knowledge of automobile electronics (probably should say HAD, was much more concrete w/ my 70's era cars before the damned black box) anyway, auto systems are grounded, whereas the marine system seems to be a whole different animal.

So far, the marine electronics books I've found focus on bigger boats with inboard engines.

I've read Brotherton & Sherman's 12volt Bible for Boats cover to cover. I've cruised through Don Casey's SailBoat Electronics Simplified, and read numerous chapters in various boat books. I'm wondering if anyone knows of "Simple Marine Electronic's" sort of explanation. Thanks!

[wdscobie]

the comment 'spaghetti leading to the batteries' makes me nervous. in general there should only be two lines heading to the battery - one pos and one neg lead.

the boats wiring should be cleanly done, logical and well laid out.

pictures of what you have now will be helpful ... best to know if what you have is worth 'adding to' or a complete redo is best.

[Friends with SCAMPS]

"Spaghetti going to the batteries" was a bit of exaggeration for effect. I'm sorry to mislead you.

I will have to hold off on pictures until we head down to the boat to install new batteries.

It is more like spaghetti going to the battery compartment. It is not at all tidy like the Marine Electrical DIY books suggest it should be.

Photos soon. Meantime, please do steer me tward any "simple marine electrical systems explained" sorts of resources.

Thank you!

[Art Haberland]

boat wiring is a lot like a simple car's.. and yes, grounding is a bit different as you cannot run a wire to the 'glass (or wood) to ground it.. it has to go back to the battery or to a common ground buss.

If you can take your automotive wiring knowledge and fit that one important bit into it... wiring a boat becomes -very- simple. It just means that everything has to have two wires.. a feed and a ground.

[Friends with SCAMPS]

Thank you! I'll take the batteries down to re-install and then post some pictures.

[wdscobie]

IMO you have the best 'simple' resource - Don Casey's book. i have many books on marine electrical and only Don's seemed to 'click for me'.

so much must be 'extrapolated' to fit each boat's install.

look forward to your pictures. with that more directed suggestion will come.

[HappyDog]

In my experience, Small Boat Electrical Systems are usually complicated by somebody's lack of knowledge of how to do things properly. I am not familiar with any of the publications mentioned in this thread but as a boat owner/builder and aircraft mechanic I can recommend that you take a look at the standard practices described and illustrated in the AC43.13-1b Chapter 11 (Electrical Systems). Lots of good practical information that is presented in language that does not require a lawyer to translate.
I am not advocating using aircraft quality materials as that could be very expensive, but should you have access to such materials, that would be nice. Invest in higher quality hardware and materials (fuse panels & terminal strips). Use high quality stranded wire that is tinned. Use insulated/heat shrink terminal fittings and have the proper tools for wire stripping and crimping.
You mentioned 'grounding', all modern 'Direct Current' electrical systems require the same 'negative ground', be it in an auto or a boat. Your vintage auto knowledge is fully applicable to your boat, only the method of providing the return path (negative) requires that you provide a ground path wire for each electrical load item. Keep it neat and follow the KISS Rule. Last, have a plan, create and save a wire diagram.

Regards,
Charlie

[wdscobie]

just to reinforce Charlie's comments -

don't use hardware store or auto parts store wires or connectors.

again, based on the 'Spaghetti ' comment i would be nervous about any prior owners wire job ... especially that that used hardware/auto store wire/fittings.