electrical box wiring

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Bill Leathen

Does anyone have a photo of how they re-wired the inside of their electical box wiring. I want to add a circuit or two for a steaming light and a deck light into the electric box of my H23. But it is so crammed with wires now, that I plan to make a new larger box. Has anyone else done this? As far as the steaming light, what opinion does any one have on the lights that incorporate a deck light to illuminate the deck when needed. Any advise or comments will be welcome. Thanks.
 
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Rob Morton

Fuse Box

Hi, I have not replaced the box but did double up some stuff to free up some space. I added an outlet for a cigerette lighter type adapter. I too have been looking at adding deck lights on the spreaders. I was planning on doing that this winter. I would like to hear others comments. Rob Morton S/V Euphoria
 
Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
Bill

At night, I motor a lot more than I anchor out, so I removed my masthead anchor light and ran the wires to the steaming light I installed above the spreaders, so the anchor light switch now operates the steaming light. I also wired a cigarette lighter cocket into the AUX2 or ACC2 circuit (the lowermost switch on the box). That circuit is dedicated to my tillerpilot, which I don't use when anchored. I have an LED anchor light on a pigstick that I run up the mast on the main halyard when I anchor out. That light has a cigarette lighter plug on the lower end. I also have a small hurricane lantern that can be pressed into service as an anchor light. I'm told that oil lamps are USCG legal. Peter H23 "Raven"
 
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Androctus

I replaced it

It a cheap enough upgrade, and the six-fuse panels you can get from Boat US use a single metal rail to connect the positive and ground feeds, so I didn't have the "Piggy Back" wiring I had on the factory panel, and that saved along of space, gave me an extra switch to wire to something else, and fit right into the old wooden box. That And I don't need to worry about snapping of the long factory toggles anymore when stepping into the cabin. Theres a few boats at my marina that has the spreader lights. Theyre nifty, but I think it works as well just to sling a small oil lamp from the boom and it saves your battery at night for other things.
 
Jun 4, 2004
59
- - Mancos Co.
Here's what I did

.....gave me a few more circuits for compass light steaming light etc, also a place for all those things you want close at hand. Hope this helps. Dave h23 "Wind Dreamer"
 
Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
Nice work Dave

That's a neat setup. I'm assuming that the steps are strong enough to hold your weight? I wired my compass light into the same circuit as the running lights, figuring any conditions that require them are likely to need compass illumination as well. Peter H23 "Raven"
 
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Chris

Peter

the oil lamps are perfectly legal, there is absolutely NO requirement to have electricity on board. However, they would have to meet the distance visibility rule of 2 miles.
 
Jun 4, 2004
59
- - Mancos Co.
Thanks Peter

yeah the steps have had as much as 200lbs on them, so far so good.I seperated the compass light because sometimes I use it as a soft cockpit light in the evening. The addition of the second panel let me seperate circuits a little more ( Deck light,bilge pump, radio, fish finder,etc.) but you cuold get by without it.We,ve really enjoed the steps, they make coming in and out a lot easier. Dave h23 "Wind Dreamer"
 
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Bill Leathen

Thanks everyone

Thanks everyone. Dave - your picture is exactly what I need. What you have done looks great. With two steps, it makes the distance from the floor to the deck look higher than it actually is. Is that a 115V heater on the floor? Did you also wire the boat with a shore power connection? In any case - good job and thanks.
 
Jun 4, 2004
59
- - Mancos Co.
No shore power

Bill, I have a 300w inverter that runs a laptop, VCR, etc. One solar panel keeps the two deep cycle batteries charged.The picture was taken last winter and I just use the little 115V heater to keep the cabin warm when I'm working on the boat at home. Glad the picture helped. Dave h23 "Wind Dreamer"
 
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