Wiring Panel

gw204 · #1 08-11-2004, 04:04 PM

Nick,

When you get a chance, post some pics of of the helm as well as the cabin-side of the bulkhead behind the helm. I've got an idea rattling around in my somewhat empty head.... [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

cSickNick · #2 08-12-2004, 04:20 PM

Here is a few pics, lets see what you can do ... [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

warthog5 · #3 08-12-2004, 04:48 PM

You got me on this one. You have some nice electronics there.HeHe Same one's that are going in mine. That rake of the windshield keeps you from being able to build a pod.

ScottM · #4 08-12-2004, 05:11 PM

Nick,
Can you mount the new switch panel where the VHF is currently? If so, you could relocate the VHF to just inside the cabin door and run a remote speaker to the dash.

gw204 · #5 08-13-2004, 08:05 AM

OUCH.... you're right. There ain't much room there.

My preference is to not have to reach around anything to get to switches so I would personally not put them behind or under the steering wheel.

What I'm thinking is to rearrange the entire gauge panel and concentrate the gauges to the port side, leaving the stbd. side open for switches. Also, since real estate is so limited on the panel itself, don't worry about putting your fuse holders there. Install a fuse panel on the bulkhead inside the cabin.

Can you take a shot looking straight down on the instrument panel so I can see how large it is? Also, if you get me some dimensions, I can try to lay something out for you.

I'll post a few pics of the helm I did for my brother's boat this weekend. It's original configuration was very similar to yours so you might be able to get some ideas from it.

We'll get you straightened out. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

cSickNick · #6 08-13-2004, 12:54 PM

I know you guys will come up with something, just keep the cost down. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Scott, your suggestion would work. The 8 switch/fuse panel will fit in that space. I was planning to get an additional VHF to mount in the cabin, so i could run a remote mic to the helm area. This would be fairly simple. Maybe not the best to reach through the wheel, but i could layout the switches with less use in the steering area and others more used outside of the wheel.

I need to get a new guage panel, so i should re-layout for additional switches/fuses anyway.

Here is a closer pic, i will take some measurements tonight;

Brian, when you mention fuse panel on the inside, do you mean "on" the hinged cover or "inside" the hinged cover?

If "on" could it be wired to still remove the hinged cover easily if needed to.

If "inside", would that defeat the purpose of easy access to check or replace fuses when needed.

Also, curious on using fuse panel versus push button breaker type. I was leaning towards push button breaker type.

Thanks guys .... [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] - Nick

PipeDreamsMarine · #7 08-13-2004, 01:20 PM

Take that hand held and mount it inside the cabin, place the new switch panel where the hand held was. get some of those combo gauges (ones that house two gauges in one or even 4) and redo the gauge panel.

gw204 · #8 08-13-2004, 02:28 PM

Here's my initial thoughts.

Ditch the fuel gauge and use the Navman to keep track of how much juice you have left. That will free up some space. Then move the hour meter to the bulkhead above the handheld. You don't need to be constantly staring at that anyway. Whala, more space. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Put the fuse panel inside the hinged compartment. You are right, it would take a bit more time to get too but it will be protected from the elements and curious little fingers. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] That will also keep wire runs short.

You should then have room on the right side of the panel for a minimum of 6 rockers or 9 toggle switches if you keep the gauges centered on the steering wheel. Maybe another 2 rockers or 3 toggles if you push the gauges as far to port as possible, while maintaining enough spacing between the port-most gauge and the edge of the panel so it doesn't look wierd.

You'll probably have to relocate the VHF mic mount though.

One of the best things I can recommend you do is cut a piece of cardboard to the same dimensions as the panel. Then cut a few circles the size of your gauges and a few more pieces the size of th switches you want to use. Sit down and play with them until you find a layout you are happy with.

I don't know much about breakers so I can't help you there. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Does any of that sound good?

PipeDreamsMarine · #9 08-13-2004, 03:09 PM

Yeah.. what he said......