Progress so far and a queston

[2ndchance]

I finally got the fuel system installed and started on the electical system. I did have to move the VRO tank out of the way so I could install the bilge pump but thats my fault for getting ahead of myself *:-[. I'll reinstall the tank tomorrow. This is what the transom enclosure looks like so far.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t270/2ndchance_2007/Wellcraft2207061.jpg
My quetion is about the battery switch that I am going to install. Do you hook everything up to the switch or to the batteries? The instructions do not address this question. My thoughts are to install everything to the switch except the bilge pump. What are your thoughts?

[THEFERMANATOR]

I personally hook EVERYTHING(including the bilge) to the switch. But I trailer my boats. I like being able to completely isolate each battery individually, and shut the system off completely as well. But I'm also used to wiring race cars where everything must be connected to the switch.

[tsubaki]

If it's in the water, hook it all up to the switch except the bilge pump(s).

[spareparts]

generally speaking, hook the automatic bilge pump switch, and the stereo memory to the battery, everything else to the switch. I personally have everthing hooked to the switch bu the auto switches, they are hooked to one battery, that leaves the other battery for backup

[Franco]

IMHO = I'd move any fuel hose with a clamps AWAY from the batteries. And I wouldn't hook everything up to the battery switch. I'd use some sort of junction point and branch off from there. If you have an electrial problem later it would be easier to isolate.

[msbhammer]

That is totally RAD 2ndchance. Great Pic. She's coming along well. "I'd" still yank off that old bracket and lay it by the curb. LOL. ;D ;D ;D ;D

[tsubaki]

Please excuse my ignorance and tell me the compartment is vented. BEAUTIFUL WORK.

[Blue_Runner]

Lookin good 2nd ;)

[msbhammer]

Mine would look good as well, if I had BLUE'S bench seat >:( ;D ;D ;D ;D :P

[phatdaddy]

i think franco's on the right track. come off the switch to a terminal board, then you have individual screws for the wires also makes adding items and trouble shooting a lot easier. all wires need to be fused, but run a home run to your dash and then put in a fuse block. your motor has a fuse on it, and your bilge should have an inline fuse.

[Seacrets]

No vents required as the engine is not in the bilge. It's an outboard installation. Right now, it's vented as much as my 86 V20 outboard.

[tsubaki]

My only concern it the term "allow to trap vapors".

[2ndchance]

The compartment is not totally sealed so any gassing by the Batteries should not be a problem. It,s about like mounting batteries in the bilge area, plenty of ventalation.

[willy]

2C I think you are right about the ventilation, not an issue. But where you have the fuel line/bulb/fuel filter mounted is not a good idea and I would re-route that right away like Franco says.

[reelapeelin]

Consider some of the advise on location of those items...one more thing; the primer bulb usually works best when "upright" whereas yours is presently angled w/ top down...some work well no matter how installed, but if you ever have fuel delivery probs, that's the 1st place I'd look ...

[Stinky_Hooker]

I dont hook anything directly to battery of switch. I ONE heavy 8GA wire feeding from negative on battery and from switch to their own terminal blocks under console. Everything else branches from there. That really simplifies things alot and make it easy to keep the battery/switch connections clened that way too....just one wire.

[Stinky_Hooker]

Heres a rough idea of what I mean. I use a battery switch between the two batteries' positives in case I want twice the power, but Im not forced to drain em both while on the water. This way if its nightime or Im running something alot (like lights) that might drain them down I can always cut the dual feed off and NEVER be left without cranking power.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/bbingsuperman/boat-1.jpg

[macojoe]

Me to, just no switch

[tsubaki]

The compartment is not totally sealed so any gassing by the Batteries should not be a problem. *It,s about like mounting batteries in the bilge area, plenty of ventalation.
Yes you're right and even if it was an issue, the way you made the door removeable will satisfy our ticket writing buddies.