Secondary Engine Control Panel

E

evangeline44

Active Member
Joined
19 Apr 2014
Messages
55
Visit site
Calling all Engine and electrical gurus.
Complex question so please stay with me!!

Just fitted a new Betamarine 50hp The engine came with a 'deluxe spec' engine control panel which has the following features:

Key start switch, Push button stop, green power indicator light, Tacho and hour meter, oil pressure, water temp and voltmeter gauges, and indicator lights/warning buzzer for low pressure, high water temp and no-charge indicators for both alternators.

Problem is the panel is too big for any available 'safe' cockpit space even in a waterproof enclosure.
I have therefore decided to fit it inside the cabin to the side of the companionway the plus here is that the supplied wiring loom links neatly to the engine.

My question revolves around the fact that I have nice moulded-in instrument recesses at each side of the wheel area. the recess will take a standard 115x110mm instrument.(eg ST60 size)

I should like to spur off from the big panel to a smaller secondary panel of the above size to provide a waterproof push ON switch and a push OFF switch together with some LED warning lights. I could manage to cut a suitable size plate and think the required components (good old ASAP) would all fit OK.

Is this a) workable? b) sensible and c)easy enough for a numpty (me) to wire in?:confused::confused::confused:
 
It should be possible to achieve a panel which will allow you to start and stop the engine at the helm and LEDs should wire in alongside the panel lights without upsetting them. The only limitation is that the key switch must be used be switched on before the remote start button will work and you might need a pre-heat button as well. The implication of this limitation is that when you use the remote stop button, the main switch remains on which experts suggest is bad practice, though if you can get to the switch within a reasonable timeframe you're unlikely to flatten the batteries - but don't forget!

I'd suggest you post the wiring diagram for the panel so responses can be more specific.

Rob. (off to have a look at the Beta website)
 
As Rob pointed out, you'll need a heater switch too. You may consider using a second key switch with on/heat/start functionality.

Beta offer a square digital instrument which gives rev counter and numerous gauge functions - you could put this in the second space at the helm.
 
When the key switch is on, the alarm lights and buzzer will be powered. A drawback for remote operation.
Beta do have a keyless panel using 2 relays instead of a switch. The circuitry is in their manual. The idea could probably be adapted to your needs, but the implementation wouldn't be that straightforward
 
Hmm - thanks for the initial thoughts folks.
Away from the boat/ big panel at the moment but I think the pre-heat is also part of the key switch.
I've seen the smaller Beta panel but this is still too big for my little instrument sized panel placing.
I have no wiring diagram at the mo.
Maybe there is a Guru somewhere out there who could help us with this???
 
The wiring diagram is in the operators manual, which should have come with the engine. Otherwise you can download all 98 pages of the manual from the Beta Marine website.

Rob.
 
Thanks Rob,
Just checked on the Betamarine website and the key start has 4 positions. i.e: Heat-Stop-Run-Start.
Main panel only about 8' away from helm position so could get to switch to turn key to off (provided we remember!)

A potential problem here then! I presume if the key was left in the run position this would drain the cranking battery?
 
I considered this on my old boat, where the only panel was 'indoors'. Meaning you had to leave the helm to start the engine, and your couldn't adjust the throttle while cranking. It wasn't a boat exactly optimised for singlehanded!

I was looking at fitting a keyswitch indoors, which would power a the heat and start switches at the helm.
I didn't want to leave the boat somewhere like Poole Quay with the key in plain site, but when sailing I want the key to be in the switch.

But I considered you might want a starter button next to the engine, if you were cranking it decompressed for any reason such as bleeding the fuel system.
But in normal use, is there any need to start the engine from below?
 
Hi LW395, No there is absolutely no reason to start the engine from below HOWEVER the 'deluxe' panel with the engine is all nice and new and wired up I was just hoping to piggyback the additional controls in the small space in the cockpit.

A secondary thought has been on a situation years earlier, when having a beer in a beach cafe I noticed a boat dragging its anchor and heading at a fair lick downwind towards a big collision with other anchored boats. A very quick intercept in the dink and jump on board revealed a lack of a key in the start panel. Mild panic and a lot of fending off ensued. Owner eventually showed up and was a bit non-plussed on the problem. - I should have billed him then and there!

Hence my wish for a pushbutton start in the cockpit should (God forbid) I ever get in a similar situation.
 
I don't know much about the technology involved, but I have a deck-saloon yacht with duplicated controls and instruments at both helm stations. I can start or stop the engine from either position, so it is feasible.
 
evangeline44 said:
Hi LW395, No there is absolutely no reason to start the engine from below HOWEVER the 'deluxe' panel with the engine is all nice and new and wired up I was just hoping to piggyback the additional controls in the small space in the cockpit.

A secondary thought has been on a situation years earlier, when having a beer in a beach cafe I noticed a boat dragging its anchor and heading at a fair lick downwind towards a big collision with other anchored boats. A very quick intercept in the dink and jump on board revealed a lack of a key in the start panel. Mild panic and a lot of fending off ensued. Owner eventually showed up and was a bit non-plussed on the problem. - I should have billed him then and there!

Hence my wish for a pushbutton start in the cockpit should (God forbid) I ever get in a similar situation.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't leave my boat at anchor with the key in the 'ignition' on deck. It might be too tempting for kids to start it up.
Would you leave the keys in your parked car, in case it's in the way?
 
If you can get the essential bits into the space discard the panel then get a new panel made up for you it's only a sheet of metal/plastic with holes in it and a second one taking the other bits and fit it where you like
Being able to stop the engine from the helm position may actually be more important than starting!
 
scottie said:
If you can get the essential bits into the space discard the panel then get a new panel made up for you it's only a sheet of metal/plastic with holes in it and a second one taking the other bits and fit it where you like
Being able to stop the engine from the helm position may actually be more important than starting!
Click to expand...

Yep I quite agree, but starting would be good too as that's where the throttle is.
I didn't want to disassemble the original panel as that would be a possible infringement of the engine guarantee - merely to piggyback some secondary controls/indicators straight off the big panel.
As NormanS replied it is possible with deck saloon boats, so whats the secret?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top