Replacing a Switch Panel

[dpriddy]

I am somewhat of a newbie when it comes to marine wiring and accessories. I am wanting to replace my existing 2-switch panel (first pic) with a new 4-switch panel (second pic). The currect 2 switches are the Nav light and Acc light. I want to add a switch for a fishfinder and have an extra switch.

The third pic is the fuses/wiring behind the dash. The boat is a 1991 Bayliner Capri 1700 Bowrider. Any help would be great! Also, the speedometer shown in pic 1 is the original one. I have removed it and the existing hole is larger than any gauge I can find... any insight there?



CURRENT SWITCH PLATE

NEW 4-SWITCH PLATE

FUSES AND WIRING BEHIND DASHBOARD

 

[dchris]

Re: Replacing a Switch Panel

Looks pretty easy. The large red wire should be your main power in. The smaller red and blue should be going to your Nav light and Acc light.
Question: Does your new box have fuses like the old one?
2nd question: Do you know what the small black box with the large black wire is?
You might have move than just your two switches there.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Replacing a Switch Panel

why a switch for the fishfinder? you could switch it off, but you can't switch it on - once it powers down, you have to use the switch on the unit anyway.

Get yourself some good quality stripping and crimping tools. Strip no more than 1/4" of insulation & crimp the terminals on the wire. If you boat in salt water, go with the ABCY standard marine-grade tinned copper strand wiring, otherwise I have found automotive wire to be just fine.

welcome to iboats!

 

[dpriddy]

Re: Replacing a Switch Panel

dchris - Yeah, the new one has fuses built in, but a different type of fuse. See pic:

So, what do I do with the existing fuse panel?
Black box with large black wire? Doesnt that run back to the battery?