Our Hunter is a 2005 33', we are the second owners, approx. 4 years. The problem we are having is, while under sail, our gauges will suddenly turn off, no depth, wind, GPS, auto-pilot, or boat speed. I go below and see that the toggle for "INSTRUMENTS" has flipped off. This is happening frequently but is seems to be happening only when we are under sail. This past Saturday we were using only the jib and it occurred 6 times over the course of 90 minutes. It did not happen when we were motoring. Checked all the connections at the control panel and they are tight. Has anyone else ever had this issue. any clue on what we should be looking for? Thanks!
Instrument Circuit Problem
- Thread starter De Lourde
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Can you isolate the autopilot? This all sounds like a large load for 1 breaker, normally at least the autopilot should be on its own breaker, the rest are small loads but an autopilot motor can have a heavy draw and this is more so when under sail and the rudder loads are higher. So I would suggest trying to isolate the or turn off the autopilot and see if the breaker still trips. if so power it all on and turn off instruments one at a time to find which ones are causing trouble. I would also recommend moving the autopilot to its own breaker regardless. Good luck and let us know what you find
too much current being drawn...could be a weak breaker,but I suspect a bad connection at the unit itself or corroded wiring on the way. You will need to see what is actually connected to the "instrument" breaker. SOunds as if it is just your pedastal displays...
You will need to check the entire wiring path for loose, chaffed or corroded splices or connections to those devices on the "instrument" breaker.
If this breaker is tied to a "weak" battery, it may trip as the load may be more than the battery can provide. A digital meter will show the voltage at each instrument, it should be more than 12 volts.
You are saying that the AP is still holding a course and steering, just no display?
You will need to check the entire wiring path for loose, chaffed or corroded splices or connections to those devices on the "instrument" breaker.
If this breaker is tied to a "weak" battery, it may trip as the load may be more than the battery can provide. A digital meter will show the voltage at each instrument, it should be more than 12 volts.
You are saying that the AP is still holding a course and steering, just no display?
No the AP shuts down also. Might try to move the connections from the instruments breaker to the GPS breaker to see if the same circuit trips. Also a friend mentioned it might be a power supply issue. I guess it will be trial and error.
Autopilot may have a separate breaker but this could still be wired through the instruments one. Turn the instruments breaker off and then see if the AP has stopped too. If so it is wired via the instruments breaker.
However, if this has only just started to occur after 4 years ownership then look for a short that occasionally occurs. i.e. bare wire having insulation worn through or loose terminal moving round to touch an adjacent one etc. Gently test (wiggle) every connection behind your instrument panel.
However, if this has only just started to occur after 4 years ownership then look for a short that occasionally occurs. i.e. bare wire having insulation worn through or loose terminal moving round to touch an adjacent one etc. Gently test (wiggle) every connection behind your instrument panel.
Appreciate all the suggestions and guidance; we'll be out there this week testing the wires, terminal connections, etc.
Thank you all again.
Thank you all again.
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