Understanding the electrical system on O'day 23

[Eric]

I have a 1980 O'day 23, and the mast light is out. What's the best way to get up there? Ladder? Does anyone have spec's for this boat? I didn't get the manual when I bought it. I also noticed a "pull button" above the toggle switches in the cabin(the toggle switches turn on and off power to cabin lights, acessories, etc.) What does the button switch do? I would like to understand the electrical wiring in the boat, and am a little stumped.

 

[Ben Allen - O'Day 26]

Trobleshooting

Eric,I am not familiar with the wiring of the O'Day 23, but you can do some general trobleshooting that will cross over to any boat. First, get to the back side of the electrical panel, check to make certain that voltage is leaving each switch/pull button. Next, note the color of each wire leaving the switch and going to the application (cabin light, running light). If voltage is good here, next check it at the base of the mast. Also check at the mast base for corrision in the connections. If everything checks out here with good voltage, then consider either going up the mast or unstepping the mast to check the light. You will need a DC volt meted (cost from $10) to trobleshoot a 12 volt system, but it is a tool that will become invaluable to you down the road.Ben AllenMontgomery, ALO'Day 26

 

[Justin - O'day Owner's Web]

Safe than sorry...

Eric,Ben outlined the basics pretty well. I don't have much to add on the subject except to note that the 23 is a little light for people up the rig. I know people have done it, but I would want to drop the rig if I were going to work on the masthead. Its not that the rig cannot support you. Its that if you get swaying, and your weight gets out over the rail, you could ride the rig to the water. That mast makes a pretty serious lever arm.YMMV,Justkn - O'day Owner's Web