Bill Janssen wrote:

Pete C. wrote:
Karl Townsend wrote:

My friend's boat wiring is FUBAR. Its a 25 year old salt water unit
with a Cummins diesel and single screw. There is what's left of a
system to switch from Bat A to Bat B or both. Its been through a
couple 'canes and had salt water up to the deck a couple times. Plus
25 years of hack electrical repairs.

Anyway, I'd like to start with some sort of load center to handle the
winch, starter, alternator and bat A /bat B systems, and a whole bunch
of small breakers for all the small loads. Anyone know of such a unit
for salt water boats?

We have a crew of four willing to attack this problem on windy days
over the next three months. But we need her to sail when the wind goes
down.

Karl


There are all manner of marine electrical components available to choose
from, but I think you'll mostly have to assemble everything from
components vs. some stock all-in-one unit. Things such as the high
current battery selector switches are readily panel mountable as are
most other components.

I'd recommend using the euro style plastic electrical enclosures with
clear covers to enclose bus bars with DC circuit breakers and other non
panel mounted components. Use good watertight cable entrance connectors
for all cables entering those enclosures.

AND if these components are in the engine compartment the use explosion
rated components.

While that is good advise for a gasoline powered boat, I don't think
it's really necessary for a diesel powered boat.