Electrical Problems

[Pat Reynolds]

I can't figure out how to get my running

 

[Phil Decker]

Sailboat Electrics Simplified

Try "Sailboat Electrics Simplified," by Don Casey. I bought it, and it has helped me a lot. It discusses troubleshooting, and how to use a digital multimeter to track down problems like yours. I'm going through the procedure myself. Good illustrations, too. You can buy it here at SailNet at the link below.

 

[Michael Hagerman]

From One Chimp to Another....

I have a 1977 C-30 (Hull no. 705) which came with similar problems. External connections and good batteries are no good if the internal wiring is shot. This is a major problem with older Catalinas, especially if you have/had leaky ports. I had to get the internal wiring on mine redone last year and now ALL the lights work. You should at least get a professional estimate lest you short something out or, worse yet, start a fire.

 

[Fred Grimann]

Use a 12 volt test light (automotive type) or a voltmeter. You can't hurt anything with either test tools (even if you place the voltmeter connections backwards)unless you bridge two wires with one test probe. Place one test probe on battery negative source and use the other probe on battery positive at the battery selector switch. If you have a light or voltage, all is OK to that point. Then move positive test probe along the wiring circuit to the next connection leading the lights. Test wherever there is a connection. If you get no light or voltage then the problem is between the present test point and the previous test point on that circuit. If the test leads are too short add a wire extention. It would help if you have a wiring scematic so that you can follow the circuit on paper (make one if you have too). You can also do this test procedure for the negative circuit by placing a test probe on a positive battery source and use the other test probe along the negative circuit for the malfunctionig lights.Fred, Auto/Marine Technician

 

[John Visser]

Wiring

Older boats may have used wire that is today considered unacceptable for marine applications. As late as 1984, Catalina used such wire, as did many other boatbuilders. This wire is plain, unplated Copper stranded insulated wire. Salt water wicks up into this and rots the Copper. I found one piece of wire running through the bilge, that powered the shower sump pump, that had lost continuity because the Copper was reduced to a non-conductive green powder.So, what to do? For safety's sake, replace the wire. First, verify what kind of wire you have. If it's the wire, you should really replace it. Marine wire is tin plated, and holds up much better to the salt. The dominant retail supplier or this is Ancor (www.ancorproducts.com). It is available in West marine and BoatUS.

 

[Bob Camarena]

12-Volt Bible

The 12-Volt Bible is a good book for learning how to deal with 12-volt systems. I forget the author, but it should be easy to find.