Where was my old boat customized?

[Larryrsf]

Does anyone have or know of circuit diagrams or wiring schematic for my old 1974 V20? I want to modernize the wiring to accommodate a GPS and more modern electronics. Thanks in advance.

Larry

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by Larryrsf

Does anyone have or know of circuit diagrams or wiring schematic for my old 1974 V20? I want to modernize the wiring to accommodate a GPS and more modern electronics. Thanks in advance.

Larry

You should have two electrical systems on your boat. One for your engine (and whatever gages are hooked to it, and a second, separate system for your add on electronics. Most boats have heavy positive and negative wires running from the battery directly to a fused or circuit breaker protected distribution panel near the helm, and from there to any extra add on equipment. (like lights, anchor winch, GPS, radar, etc.). My point is that there aren't any schematics for those systems since they are all custom to whatever boat they are in.

[Larryrsf]

Yeah, I see the distribution panel behind the dash. Pretty corroded, but probably OK. I may pull it down and replace it. Several of the circuits are fused.

I added another battery and will connect the other stuff to that, bilge pump, lights, GPS, cigarette lighter powered stuff. Maybe a radio.

What is the best way to interconnect the two batteries? Obviously if they are always in parallel, they charge and discharge together. I would think a switch would be best so that the alternator would charge the auxiliary battery only when it needs it and only the primary would supply the starter.

Larry