Wiring surprise

76Red18 · #1 06-02-2008, 08:32 PM

I replaced everything but the motor's wiring harness. I wanted the system as weather-proof as possible so I put the fuse and terminal blocks in weather proof boxes. Those 2 fuse holders are easy access for the 2 independently wired bilge pumps.

I used most of the products you mentioned. The system is almost 4 years old and I've never had to replace a blown fuse or reset a circut breaker;( Knock on an old wooden boat

). That long terminal block is a disconnect point if I ever need to remove the center console.

Rocker switch/ circut breaker panel

McGillicuddy · #2 06-02-2008, 08:54 PM

That is sweet work, Esteemed Red 18, thanks for the post. I was gonna go red & black with labels but the color coding route you chose sure is easier to follow... far more professional, too. Might have to get some color going Where'd you mount your battery switch? got pics of that arrangement? Thanks again.

76Red18 · #3 06-02-2008, 09:09 PM

Thanks for the praise on my work. Battery switch is inside of the console on the port side. I'll get a picture up tomorrow.

McGillicuddy · #4 06-02-2008, 10:40 PM

Not to sound like a total dummy but i noticed you have 2 negative cables at the ST Blade fuse box, I imagine one goes back to the battery via bus -- where does the second take you?

76Red18 · #5 06-02-2008, 11:05 PM

To a ground bus in the transom to eliminate all the individual ground wires for bildge and bait well pumps, lights etc. that would need to be run under the floor.

76Red18 · #6 06-02-2008, 11:06 PM

Batteries are in the console, by the way.

McGillicuddy · #7 06-06-2008, 02:33 AM

Roger that, 76Red18, thanks again... I wish I could run the batteries more fore but I think for now I'll leave them in the stern lockers and see how she rides with a stern-lifting prop like Fr Frank suggested. I'll wait 'til I re-power before moving the batteries fore. Were you able to buy the various wire colors in short lengths or did you just buy 100' spools?

76Red18 · #8 06-06-2008, 08:25 AM

Theres a standard color code for the boating industry that I wanted to use but some of the colors needed were only sold in 500' spools so I just went with the colors available in shorter lengths. All wiring and connectors were anchor brand. Heatshrink everything... . If your batteries are in the stern its best to keep the switch back there if not you'll need a lot of 4/0 cable @ $4/ ft

A fool proof electrical system is a lot of money but seeing that every time I was ever stranded it was because of electrical problems.