Electrical DIY?

[Art Haberland]

And definitely do not do this: this was the switch panel on my Sea Sprite 23. You cannot tell in the photo, but it is screwed into the side of a bunk and hangs out into the companion way ready to wreck havoc with shins.

The only thing that was hooked up was the bilgepump. The nav lights, anchor lights, steaming lights, and interior lights did not even have wires running to them

[Friends with SCAMPS]

Dave, Charlie, & Art, thanks so much!
Art, It's always nice to see something that makes your mess pale in comparison.
I'll post pictures soon. It finally stopped raining, so I'll probably head down tomorrow to get this project started.
~Dana

[wdscobie]

this was the switch panel on my Sea Sprite 23.

WOW some scary stuff out there ...

[Tim]

Dana, the advice and referred books are good, I too cannot think of a more basic book than Casey's.

The first thing you should do and probably the key to making it manageable to you is draw a wiring diagram. Make a simple plan showing the devices , switches and fuses you will need. You can use the references then to size your wire and connections.

It really sounds like (without photos yet) that in your case you probably should start all over. I have rewired a number of boats now and in most cases that is the cheapest, easiest and safest way to do it.

Tim

[Art Haberland]

It really sounds like (without photos yet) that in your case you probably should start all over. I have rewired a number of boats now and in most cases that is the cheapest, easiest and safest way to do it.

Tim

I completely agree... that is why I removed every inch of wiring from my boat (except for the stuff in the mast that I will be using to run new wires)

[Friends with SCAMPS]

Hi all. It's a big mess under there and I can't figure how to post pictures from my phone, so no pictures yet. But, for the most part there are only three colors of wire and there is a lot of extra wire bundled up with zip ties. We were able to get most everything working off one battery. I'm thinking I'll use it "as is" and start working on figuring out one system at a time and then replacing wire with the Recommended Marine Wiring Color Code as a guide.
When I know enough to ask more questions I will.
Thank you!

[Art Haberland]

do not be afraid to ask questions. Just remember that unlike a car, when a system goes down in a boat, you cannot just pull over, stop, and fix it. So simple, bulletproof, well secured, and easy to access are the main ideas you want to entertain.

[Tim]

Might I suggest that even if you don't start replacing everything right away, that you DO try and look at all the connections and check to see that everything is fused. This is always the prudent thing to do when you have an unknown system that has not been surveyed recently..

[Friends with SCAMPS]

Thanks Art!
Yes, Tim, we have begun to do that. And, some connections are beautiful, some super ugly.
I've been studying my pictures & The 12 Volt Bible over dinner, this stuff is better than TV!

[Art Haberland]

DC is very logical. Power flows from Point A to Point B. I would also look into getting some dielectric grease for your plugs and sockets. Will help keep the water out of them and keep them lubricated and oxidation free