complete re-wire advice

[co256]

I would like to completely re-wire my boat, I doubt much has been upgraded since it was built in 1971.

With the emphasis on simple and efficient!

Can anyone recommend a good source of information, book etc.

Many thanks!

 

[1955patric]

have a look at the Merlin Power store website here. Lots of useful stuff.

 

[co256]

sorry 1955patric that link is broken

 

[Bejasus]

you could do worse than buy a copy of Nigel Calders's 'Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual'.

 

[stephenh]

Alastair Garrod - Electrics afloat - Adlard Coles

 

[Spuddy]

Try this link
http://www.tb-training.co.uk/index.htm

 

[co256]

Thanks everyone!

great link for tb-training.

 

[Spuddy]

Also google for the 12volt doctor's practical handbook, which is another on line reference. Sorry, can't do a link for that. I've just done a rewire (well, nearly) and browsed through all the resources mentioned. Nigel Calder is the one with the tablets of stone, I reckon.

 

[PembrokeshirePromise]

This was the merlin link:

http://www.power-store.com

Not necessarily the cheapest way - but they will help you decide whats required for your boat - and some of their combined switches etc makes for a neat and easy job

 

[William_H]

It is most likely that the wiring itself especially the long wires to the mast head and or nav lights cabin lights etc are corroded so difficult to make a good connection to. Your biggest problems are going to be to replace these long wires. If it is a simple system you would be better off understanding what you have then replacing wiring as necessary. Switches fuses etc don't usually deteriorate but you can tell by the corrosion state.
Just be wary of ripping it all out. That is too easy and may not be necessary. good luck olewill

 

[co256]

Thanks olewill

I was thinking.... one wire out, one wire in

That way I don't have to think?!

But methods change, for better or worse, and I don't think I have any buss bars in the system for instance, so a bit of an overhaul is required.

All the best.

 

[yerffoeg]

I replaced the wiring on my similar vintage boat with a Merlin self-contained system. The cabling has to be purchased separaately. I knew nothing about electrics beforehand, but I now know a lot. The Merlin system is not cheap but works very well, thoroughly recommended. In addition to the above books, definitely get hold of Don Casey's book on electrics.