double pole double throw
I had the same question a year or so ago, and a fellow, got back to me with a really simple solution, using only one switch, a toggle with an on-off-on configuration. There were six connector tabs beneath the switch. The center two were respectively the positive and negative coming from the battery, and through a fuse, (I was told 3 amps). The two poles to the right were for the bow light and stern light (pos and neg) and the two poles to the left were for the bow light and steaming light, pos and neg. Now I only ended up mounting a single throw switch for the nav lights, but thought this was an excellent option. Try out the connection first in your workshop to make sure it works. On my daysailer, which is slightly smaller than the mariner, I mounted the battery forward of the mast on the cuddy sole in a battery box. Ran the wires back to the switch panel just inside the cuddy (center of cuddy opening near top in picture), and mounted the combination bow light on the cuddy top front and center.(It is a bit higher here and less cluttered than the stem) The stern light was mounted on the outside of the coaming on the starboard side deck about six inches forward of the transom. I hang a flashlight lantern from the spreader when steaming or at anchor. I find it easier to replace a couple of AA batteries than to run down my big battery overnight at anchor. My panel has three switches, nav, interior red light, and switched accessory socket. The socket accepts any lighter type 12v plug, so I can plug in my cell phone, GPS, a white interior light, my VHF charger, or AM/FM radio whichever is in need of a charge. The red interior light is great for evening sailing. It dosen't blind you yet lets you see what you are rummageing for in the cuddy. The panel mounted fuse is also center top on the panel. The two stainless U bolts on either side of the panel, prevent accidential switching of the items. The toggles are also lighted when on, Red, Yellow, and Blue. And yes that is a camp mattress on the starboard side, and yes I can sleep in there, but just barely! I have organized the port side with some Home Depot cubby boxes since this picture was taken, so it is a bit better organized.
