Dash Repair

[fetoma]

Hi guys,

I think I'm going to put some new switches and gauges on my dash, along with a new fuse box. Being new to boats, how many circuits for the fuse block would I want, and how many rocker switches for the switchboard?
It's a 1987 V20 with a 140 looper outboard.

[Destroyer]

Damn, that's a tough question. Really, the only proper answer is how many do you want? There are certain things you need, such as lights, radio and bilge pump, but after that the sky's the limit. If you plan on having trim tabs then you'll need to install the (2) rocker switches that come with them. Then there's the lights.. Running lights are necessary, as is an anchor light. But you can install led lights for nighttime ambiance, and lights in the cuddy cabin. Then there's your radio. One for the VHF, one for an AM/FM. How about a chartplotter? Radar?, One or two depth finders/fishfinders, CB radio, bilge pump (manual and automatic), underwater lights, coffeepot (Yes, coffeepot) electric cooler for the beer, etc. See what I mean? The only person that can really answer your question is you.
If it were me I'd sit down and make a list of the things that I have to have and the things that I want on my boat. Once you know what you are installing, then size your fuse block and your wiring accordingly. (My advice would be to allow at least 5 blank slots in the block for future expansion).

[fetoma]

Thanks Destroyer. I was hoping to keep it to to one 12 circuit Blue Seas ATC fuse block. I think I'll start with that and add another if needed which would be easier to do.

[fetoma]

I do have another question. Why are there so many wires hooked up to each one of those gauges and switches behind the dash?

[phatdaddy]

Typically, you have one for power,+, one for ground,-, one from the sending unit and one for a light. Usually power is daisey-chained from one gauge to another

[fetoma]

Yuk!

[Greyduk]

Back last summer I Changed out my dash panel and gauges and also did some rewiring to eliminate the fuse panel with the glass fuses in my 87 cuddy. Here is how it turned out and what I used to upgrade it. The last picture is not my boat but I used it to give me an idea of what I was trying to accomplish.

[SkunkBoat]

That's the fuse panel that you want. Greyduck, did you remember bypass the glass fuses in your switch panel?

You don't necessarily need a separate fuse and/or switch for each load. For instance, I have an "Electronics" circuit that powers 2 ff/gps units. Nav/Anchor & cockpit lights get power from one fuse. Now higher current things like VHF, Horn, Wipers, Pumps should have their own.

Thoughtful use of DPDT switches can save room in a switch panel.

[fetoma]

That's the one I bought Greyduck.