Wiring for lights

[David Stanley Smith, Campbell River, BC]

When I acquired my Sandpiper, the wiring had obvioulsy been modified somewhat from the original manufacturing specs. The battery was mounted on the lazarette platform and the original switch had been removed and a small panel of three switches (with fuses) was mounted on the bulkhead directly forward of the battery. I found this location inconvenient as one had to open the hatch and lean in to access the switches. I would like to move the panel into the cabin, and make an easily- accessible panel at the aft end of the side shelf or locker. I also wondered about relocating the battery and moving it to the aft under-bunk locker. Has any other Sandpiper owner moved a battery to this location? Is a full-fledged battey switch (one of those big red ones) required, or would a good on-off toggle switch be adequate? I have noticed in some of the Sandpiper photos on the web, that some boats appear to have mast lights. Were these fitted on later boats as a standard fitting? By the way, have any owners modified the tiller and added a hinge in front of the mainsheet traveller, so the tiller can be tilted up to get better access to the locker? Have any owners hinged the stern locker lid?

 

[Eric, Sandpiper 144 (former)]

I'll try to answer some questions

First of all, my little panel was mounted just inside the main cabin below the companionway. I replace the old OEM with a newer 4 space pannel with illuminated switches. At night you could easily see what switches you were operating. As far as battery location, I left mine on the lazerette shelf. I did install it in a marine battery box. I ran a new line from the battery to the panel, a little bigger than the OEM, I can't remember the gauge at the moment. I reused the lampcord for the other circuits.I added a steaming light to my mast. Probably not standard equipment.As far as a main battery switch, I didn't go hi tech here either. Most of the time, I disconnected the leads anyway. Only when I knew I'd be out for a night would I hook them up. I did buy a battery isolator switch, that mounts on the battery post. Princess Auto. I've seen tillers like you describe, but never saw a hinged lazz lid. I'n not sure how it could be done, given the shape of the lid. I just learned to live with it.Eric

 

[David Smith]

re lights and hinges

Thanks for your comments, Eric. I also thought that hinging the lazarette hatch might be a bit difficult because of its shape. I did, however put hinges on the anchor/chain locker cover. I had to trim the hatch edges a little, but it worked very well. It's hinged on the port side and flips up to rest against the pulpit rail. I did this after noticing another Sandpiper at Comox was missing the cover...lost, I believe, while being towed on its trailer. I do like a tiller that tilts up out of the way. From your comments, apparently others also like the idea. I'll use some scrap wood to do a mock-up first. Then I may be able to post a pattern if anyone else is interested.