Rewiring C22, need help w master switch configuration as well as solar hookup

Aug 2, 2026
23
Catalina 22 Hudson River
Ok, I've read Sailboat Electrics Simplified, and traced the existing wires to the best of my ability. I want more switches than on the original panel, so my plan is to repurposed the panel holes and add a fuse block. I have read through the book and also available C22 wiring diagrams.

I'm still left with the following questions.

Does all power run through the one master switch as I've drawn in my diagram?

If I want to add solar charging I'm not clear where to patch that in (that might be a separate thread).

I have a Blue Sea fuse block as well but it doesn't have the negative bus bar some I'm considering using this Kohree model.
 

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Sep 17, 2022
219
Catalina 22 Oolagah
I would suggest that you consider:


As your replacement electrical panel. It provides switches for your cabin, all navigation and steaming light plus deck light and anchor light. The panel provides two breakers, a Master for the 5 primary circuits and a second breaker and Master for the three auxiliary circuits. See the following for install:


Regarding Solar charging, my solar panel is mounted on the starboard side of the pushpit and I use an inline Amazon sourced controller connected directly to the battery for charging. Two years in with this set up and there are no issues, the battery is fully charged each time I return to the boat.

George
 
Last edited:
Jan 11, 2014
14,085
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Does all power run through the one master switch as I've drawn in my diagram?
Yes. A single master ON/off switch is highly desirable for convenience and to isolate the main panel when working on it.

I have a Blue Sea fuse block as well but it doesn't have the negative bus bar some I'm considering using this Kohree model.
Blue Sea makes a comparable fuse block to Kohree. Blue Sea is a known company and known for quality products. I've never heard of Kohree, is that an Amazon only brand? Those are always suspect when considering quality. Blue Sea has a 6 and 12 circuit fuse block.


If I want to add solar charging I'm not clear where to patch that in (that might be a separate thread).
The simplest way is to connect the battery DC+ and the MMPT DC+ to a single bus bar and then to the circuit breaker panel. A Battery Charger could also be connected to the DC+ bus. There needs to be a fuse on the battery to protect all the down stream wiring and a fuse between the MMPT and the bus and the charger (if installed) and the bus.

Except for very small solar panels, all solar panels need to have a controller. Generally an MMPT controller is best. Solar panels put out a little current at high voltages. The high voltages will damage the battery. The controller drops the solar panel voltage and increases the amperage to make the power useable in a 12v system.