Electrical switches in the cockpit

[Roberto]

What are the electrical switches, appliances etc you can use from the cockpit ?

I have a remote switch for the windlass, which I sometimes use, though not a lot.
A second switch is for the bow floodlight, basically never used.
I do not jhave a remote micro for the VHF radio, which I felt the need for quite a few times.

I am curious to see what kind of electrical equipment you have found useful to be used or switched on/off from the cockpit

 

[pampas]

None

 

[nimbusgb]

The whole shooting match.

nav light selection
Forward sonar controls
remote mic
remote for the windlass
cockpit light selection
foredeck flood light
even a switch for the cockpit table light.

plus the e80 display

The controls for the tractor beam are on the holodeck

 

[VicMallows]

Starting the engine without leaving the helm can be VERY useful, especially if single handed. Stopping the engine desirable, but much less so.

 

[prv]

My electrical panel (incorporating engine controls) is immediately below the companion hatch. So my answer is "all of them". The VHF is on the deckhead immediately to starboard of the hatch, so that too is accessible.

Small cockpit with a tiller means I naturally sit up at the front end, so can reach everything while steering.

Pete

 

[john_morris_uk]

We have always had the engine start panel to be accessible from the cockpit. Either by having it within easy reach from the companionway or as in the way it rigged in our current boat by having it in a recessed panel by the helm. In the previous boat it was just inside a cockpit locker which you could reach from the helm.

The only other switches we have outside are the windlass up/down switches which are on the foredeck.

Everything else is by the chart table.

I do quite fancy a remote mic system for the VHF but I usually just bring the handheld on deck for calling marinas on approach.

 

[dulcibella]

Bowthruster.

 

[ianat182]

If you installed all the switches you require on a hinged door inside the hatch you could have them protected when not in use inside the doorway, else fit a plastic box- like cover over the switch panel, with a rubber gasket around its edge;
Weatherproofing switches must be a first consideration to prevent corrosion, then sufficient flexibility in the cable runs in use and when out of use.


ianat182

 

[PabloPicasso]

I can reach into the companion way from the cockpit and reach engine start/stop contols, & auto-helm switch.

Have a remote mic/speaker under the tiller.

And a NASA depth on the saloon bulkhead at the forward end of the cockpit.

My plotter is usually mounted at the chart table, but I have an extension lead and bracket and can mount it just under the companion way hatch in full view, reach of the helm when I want to.

Doesn't seem to be a problem to pop down to the chart table to operate all other eletrical systems, lights, battery switches and so on. Certainly keeping switches away from the weather seems like a good idea if possible.

Perhaps another thread on weather proofing on deck switches would be useful?

 

[PabloPicasso]

There, I've started a new thread...

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Nice to be able to do things from the helm.

We can:
Start and stop the engine
Use the bow thruster
Raise and lower the anchor
Turn nav or steaming lights on and off
Control the deck lights

We also have spare switches that can be programmed to do anything that is switchable aboard. Suggestion on a postcard please.

Turn the kettle on?
Manually start the electric bilge pump?
Change channels on the TV?

 

[Roberto]

thanks all for your comments!

(I forgot to mention I too have the engine start stop controls at the helm, I would not do without)



cheers
r

 

[grumpy_o_g]

Starting the engine without leaving the helm can be VERY useful, especially if single handed. Stopping the engine desirable, but much less so.

Having had the gearbox stick in gear on me on two boats I'm very much in favour of being able to stop the thing from the cockpit too!!