Pearson 31-2 Circuit Breaker Source?

[gundaddy]

I recently acquired a 1989 Pearson 31-2, and am tracing out the wiring to figure out what goes where in case I need to make repairs in the future. Also, one of the indicator lights on the panel is burned out, and one of the circuit breakers is cracked. The electrical distribution panels are made by Bass (96-3002PY2, 96-3003PY1, and 96-3004PY1). I emailed Bass tech support, and was informed that those specific panels are no longer being manufactured, and they don’t have the bill of materials. Bass sells Airpax and Carling breakers, and used them extensively over the years, so something currently in stock may fit.


By looking around at various online sources, it looks like I may have “Frame Size A” breakers. It that a somewhat universal size/form factor? Any idea if there are specialty breakers available to squeeze 2 circuits into a single opening instead of getting a new panel? Some home electrical distribution systems I’ve used in the past have had this option. Does anyone have a source for the breakers that fit this panel? Panel indicator lights?


Thanks in advance!

 

[Maine Sail]

I recently acquired a 1989 Pearson 31-2, and am tracing out the wiring to figure out what goes where in case I need to make repairs in the future. Also, one of the indicator lights on the panel is burned out, and one of the circuit breakers is cracked. The electrical distribution panels are made by Bass (96-3002PY2, 96-3003PY1, and 96-3004PY1). I emailed Bass tech support, and was informed that those specific panels are no longer being manufactured, and they don’t have the bill of materials. Bass sells Airpax and Carling breakers, and used them extensively over the years, so something currently in stock may fit.


By looking around at various online sources, it looks like I may have “Frame Size A” breakers. It that a somewhat universal size/form factor? Any idea if there are specialty breakers available to squeeze 2 circuits into a single opening instead of getting a new panel? Some home electrical distribution systems I’ve used in the past have had this option. Does anyone have a source for the breakers that fit this panel? Panel indicator lights?


Thanks in advance!

Your Bass panel likely has Carling breakers and the "world series" breakers should be a direct fit replacement. Ancor, Paneltronics, Blue Sea, Newmar and others all use the world series toggle breakers and most of them are made by Carling....

 

[gundaddy]

Thanks much, Maine Sail. I really enjoyed your marine wire termination article, and will be getting an appropriate crimper and proper terminals soon. Not sure how you manage to take on all of these projects AND document them. But, I'm glad that you do!

 

[seakengo]

Gundaddy-

I am the proud owner of a Pearson 31-2 (1987) hull #87. I've extensively required the boat, have deinstalled the panel, and added numerous instruments to the space next to the board. You have no worries on the breaker or the LED indicator light-both are available at any marine store-just remove one and take it in to match and purchase one with the correct amperage you need. On the LED, look at how it is wired then break off with pliers, insert and solder new one and glue in with a small drop of instant glue. If you have any questions about your boat, need the original manual, etc., don't hesitate to ask. Over the past two years, I have replaced evert system on the boat and all that is original is the hull, keel and spars-the complete interior was replaced as well as every fitting, screw, hose, bulkhead, line, block, wire, pump, through hull, tank, stanchion, hinge, etc.!!! Basically she is new! Sempre Avanti is berthed in Milford, CT. Good luck...Ken Thompson ken@kenthompsoncreative.com

 

[gundaddy]

Ken,
Thanks for the advice. I'll keep you in mind as a valued P31-2 resource. I'm hoping not to have to get too far into the wiring. So far, I've removed about a mile of old wire that went to nowhere, so the space behind the panel is getting to be almost organized. If I can pick up a breaker or two and a couple of LEDs locally, that will be great. While inspecting the bilge pump wiring, the outlet pipe fitting broke off, so I'll be looking for a very low profile bilge pump to replace it, and probably a different method for plumbing it.
Pete

 

[seakengo]

Pete-did the same thing-miles of old wire to nowhere...finally bit the bullet and retired all as a fun project. Replaced my bilge py
Ump last season with the new Whale slim line pump-onli 1" tall and is a single unit, switch and all. As it is low profile, I mounted it to one of the stringers in the middle bilge under the salon table-works great!