Re-wiring - a psychological hurdle

[lw395]

Everything on a boat is subject to excessive moisture to some extent.
The nav light breakers may be operated by someone with wet salty hands wherever they are. I take your point that high quality marine stuff will be designed for this, but 10 years of humidity takes its toll. I don't think any of mine have ever tripped or needed to, so its just a nagging doubt. I do like the simplicity of no moving parts!

 

[pvb]

Breakers are so much simpler to use than fuses when something goes wrong. Also, breakers usually double as an on/off switch so can be operated regularly. Mine are 18 years old and work without problems.

 

[oldharry]

Faced with a similar problem on my boat, and the possibility it may not get finished properly before crane in, I started with the main supply and switch panel.

I started by checking existing circuits, and working out what each new switch/ fused circuit would control, e.g. Cabin lights only need one supply from the panel, while Nav lights need several separately switched circuits.

Because of the existing layout on my boat, I decided to include a forward electrical distribution point, with all wires supplying circuits up forward passing through it.

I then started with the main switch panel, ripped it all out, labelling the various wires as a I went (masking tape makes quite good temporary written labels).

I then wired up the new switch/breaker board, and set it all up in place, while I renewed the wiring back to the battery.

At this point, should I need to commission the boat, I can simply connect the existing circuits back to the new board. (Well, fairly simply, anyway!).

The next step is to install the new main wiring loom to the forward distribution panel, which is the bit I have been putting off, because it will not be easy!. Once at the fwd panel, again most existing cabling can be re-connected to it, and each 'branch' replaced at leisure. Existing cockpit and instrumentation circuits can each be replaced as and when.

Hopefully it will all be finished by the time the crane arrives - but its sleeting and blowing hard down here and the fireside is much more comfortable.... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

'Proper' connectors are essential. Forget those handy 'chocolate box' connectors which, although easy to use are very prone to damp and condensation, and will generate loads of trouble for the future. Properly made crimped or soldered connectors, or heat shrink covers are an essential at every joint if future trouble is to be avoided. Any wire going to a screw down connector must have a corresponding ring or U terminal attached - none of this screwing down on to bare wires wrapped round the terminal! Wire runs must be adequately supported with cable ties.

All great 'fun'! Good luck.