Freaking fuse redux

[nipper]

Thanks, guys. I was VERY reluctant to put in bigger fuses (even the 25A and then 30A fuses at the dock the MECHANIC gave me at the dock). That's why, after the 25A blew, I put the 30A in only in an attempt to get back to the dock, to no avail. My neighbor, who was in the boat with me at the time, has been urging me to just up the amperage a bit and go with 30A fuses in the panel and the wiring harness. NOT a good idea. Even with my limited knowledge, I know that wires are only rated for a given amount of current for a reason, and that is why there is a fuse to limit the amount of current to that which the wire can handle. Given that I suspect the short is in one of the 5 wires leading to/from the ignition switch, I will begin with those and go from there.

Thanks again for your help.

[spareparts]

may be easier to rewire than to try and fine the culprit. Separate the house electricity from the engine side, pull the engine harness out and lay it on the ground where you can really see it. Look for any signs of shorts. Run a main hot wire and ground to the dash for accessories and wire from there