Novice Boat wiring

[tab4593]

I just purchased my first boat and need to get the wiring together as a lot of the guages were not hooked up, the aerator pump burnned out and I have to install a blige pump.

The wiring that is connected is a mess however I can see where the panel was installed and a few things like the lights, gas gauge and fish finder is working, so that brings me to my question.

I would like to get the pre existing gauges etc, hooked up but I am not sure which end to start with. I have a voltage tester and my thought is too use the voltage meter to see what is getting power at the panel and what isn't. Then move to actually connecting the wires, is this how you guys would approach it?

 

[Ridemywideglide]

Re: Novice Boat wiring

Sounds like a good place to start. Make sure that anything up there also goes through the fuse panel.

It could be as simple as corroded connections on the non-func gauges. Since your going to be under a while anyway, clean all the connections you can comfortably open and get too..

 

[flargin]

Re: Novice Boat wiring

Look for colors of wires, most OEM wiring is pretty consistant. i.e. mercruiser purple is "Ignition" which gets power when you turn on the key; black - ground/return to battery; red/purple battery fused +; brown bilge;

take a look at the sticky by silvertip for instruments.

try not to cut wires, as if they are needed, you will be just be adding a new connector, trace them to their source. If it goes into a wiring harness, it is likely OEM, and you will find a reason for it.

Remember most of the sending wires (fuel, Oil Pressure, temp, warning alarms) will not have voltage on it, they will have resistance to ground.

 

[tab4593]

Re: Novice Boat wiring

Thanks guys, you mentioned a fuse box. I went back to take a look I see no fuse panel, there is a piece of plywood with screws where the gauges that are connected and working run too.

Should I take that out and replace it with a fuse panel? That would probably be safer I think.

 

[tab4593]

Re: Novice Boat wiring

Good Info thanks again, I actually printed that diagram out the other night.

Good stuff

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Novice Boat wiring

The back of the gauges have a letter at each connection. If you are not familiar with the meaning of these letters -- here ya go.

"I" = +12 volts from the ignition switch when in the RUN position.
"L" = +12 volts from the light switch. This is the connection for the internal light on the gauge.
"G" = Ground
"S" = Send/Sender (Fuel, tach, temp, oil pressure and trim gauges have this terminal which comes from the applicable sending unit.

If you are not an electrical wizard when it comes to wiring, perhaps this diagram will help in that regard. The item called "device" in the diagram is a light but it doesn't matter what that device is -- most everything on the boat is wired that way except for automatic bilge pumps, nav lights, timers for live well pumps and other similar stuff.

 

[skargo]

Re: Novice Boat wiring

Thanks guys, you mentioned a fuse box. I went back to take a look I see no fuse panel, there is a piece of plywood with screws where the gauges that are connected and working run too.

Should I take that out and replace it with a fuse panel? That would probably be safer I think.

I recently just added a blue sea fuse panel for the things I am adding, as the stock wiring still works and looks decent. If you add a panel make sure you wire a breaker in at the battery end.

There are some pics here if interested. I think it's on page 2 or 3 of the album.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=240090&id=554955651&l=5cd601d435

 

[Arkman]

Re: Novice Boat wiring

That is a very helpful diagram silvertip! Thanks!

 

[tab4593]

Re: Novice Boat wiring

Gentleman thanks alot, I printed out the diagrams and am going to get to work. The information you have provided has been very helpful. As soon as I find my charger Ill be sure to post a pic of the plywood and screws.


BTW, that is a very nice boat you have there!

Thanks Again