Boat electrics

[mulligan]

I am in the process of re-building a Robert Clark Mystery called Mystico, which is in Cyprus, we are getting close to putting her inards back, but as a result of 65 years of adding to the electrics I decided to rip the lot out. Firstly is there anyone out there who could design a simple electrical diagram which would give me trouble free ish maintanance, to include battery chargers nav lights, windless etc. Secondly can anyone tell me the best and possibly the most cost effective place to buy panels etc.

With kind regards

Ross

 

[colin_jones]

During 2001, PBO published a series of articles on DIY rewiring of a boat. If you get in touch with them, I am sure that they will be able to send you back issues. If not, email me and I will try to get you photocopies.

 

[PaulJ]

Have a look at Adverc's website - www.adverc.co.uk click on "Technical" and there is a wealth of information there including wiring diagrams. If you contact them and discuss your specific requirements they will design you a system for free - as long as you buy their stuff!

 

[jfkal]

There was a "foldout" full diagram in one of last years PBO issues. Further get a copy of a good boat electrics book (Nigel Caldens Boat electrics and mechanical maintenance guide [Hope I got the name right]. Note, there are opposing opinions on how to ground AC as well as to bonding. You may have to choose one.
Since you go through the "pain" use ONLY marine grade (fully tinned) wires. Do not undersize them and have them permanently labeled )

 

[Chris_Stannard]

If you are going to all that trouble may sure you have spare wires in the runs. I agree that sizing the wire is critical, especially is it is carrying high current over a distance. The autohelm, if fitted, is a good case in point. If, as I guess you will be, you are fitting new instruments make sure you do loop back test on the lines before you go too far. Incidentally there are a series of tests for Raymaine instruments, to make sure theey are working properly, which are not in the handbooks but which you have to get from the dealer. These inviolve measuring the resistance across circuits with the transmitting heads in place.
A loop back test involves shorting between the ends of a run at one end and using a did meter to make sure you have got continuity at the other. Lots of books do not mention this simple precaution but it is very annoying to get everything in place and then find you have an open circuit somewhere.
Apologies if this is teaching granny to suck eggs.