My 79 Catalina 30 had the engine control panel located on the lower portion of the cockpit at ankle level. It drove me crazy that I couldn't monitor the engine instruments and to start the engine meant bending over and reaching at an awkward angle to get things going. While rebuilding the steering pedestal ( a whole story in itself ) I decided it was time to move the panel up to where it belonged. The location I desired is much like the newer (MK II) boats. That location had a cockpit shower that had been installed by a PO. It required quite a bit of electrical wiring rework. Several years ago I reworked the engine wiring harness to eliminate automotive type wiring that had been installed by the PO and add spare wires etc. I installed terminal blocks that I located in a more convenient location in the port lazerette. I ran out of time to rewire the panel but that seemed to be ok at the time. This time I took the time to add more terminal strips on the aft panel of the lazerette and all new wiring. I removed the ammeter from the panel and installed a volt meter. I moved the ammeter to the side of the lazerette and enclosed it in a box for protection. The wires to and from the ammeter were of a sufficient size that I don't worry about problems others refer to in various posts. I am very happy with the new installation. I can monitor the gauges and start and shut down the engine much easier.
