First post, first boat restore...

[herefishy]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

In regard to JDA178, yes it is possible that some equipment may be specified to connected to a maximum fuse size. You'd have to check any warnings on the equipment or in the specifications.

I suggest first we look at the conductors to get the max - that's our first concern. Then we can go from there. I'll bet all your conductors will be rated 20A, single conductors in free air, and that will about cover it all.

Cheers!

~Fishy

 

[Thelonghull]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

Using 12 gauge wire rated for 20 amps from battery to master switch (also rated 20 amps) to fuses (automotive fuse block). from fuse block I ran 14 gauge to my switches and 14 gauge wire to my horn, my depth finder, my front nav and rear nav. and to my radio. Then I ran ground from each device to battery.

 

[herefishy]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

According to the chart - 12V, the 12ga. wire at 75C (165 degrees F) in free air is rated 25A max.

The 14awg is rated 20 amps max.

I don't think that you have some hundred feet of wire, or running through engine rooms exceeding 165 degrees, and I don't think that you are running the wires in conduit. Protect those wires according to above. If you wish to limit current for whatever reason you may have (doesn't matter) you can do so.

In general, 20A is good all-purpose ciruit protection - it'll be fine. In commercial AC applications, 20A is the minimum circuit ampacity in a building (say a branch circuirt of wall outlets in a room), generally. In your house it is usually 15A - doesn't matter if your running your fridge, or charging your cell phone.

~Fishy

 

[herefishy]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

My experience, is that a radio will have an inline fuse in the power supply wires/connection that comes with the equipment.

~fishy

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

Fishy,
Thanks for documenting this. I know there is a sep forum on electrical, but I wish there was more on it in the dry dock, because a boat rebuild is more than slapping together som glass, tin, wood, etc., most folks need or want to rewire, add new batteries, circuits, etc...as part of their resto... All that to say, info like this is helpful for folks like me trying to learn the basics for both function and safety!

 

[herefishy]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

Thanks for the appreciation, Pmccraney. Safety is right, and first and foremost. Regardless of what thread it is a very important question was asked, one which in fact lives may depend upon.

Kindest Regards,

~the Fish

 

[ezmobee]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

I put one of these in my boat and it really made things easy. Uses standard auto blade fuses http://www.iboats.com/Screw-Termina...0011229--**********.554358346--view_id.163740

 

[zopperman]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

What EZ did is very good...

Drewpster has a great wiring thread...

Don't be like me:

 

[herefishy]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

This is what I got - the fuses are in the panel with the switches. All-in-one. Gotta' check a fuse? No prob. you don't even need to open a hatch,

http://www.iboats.com/8261-Horizont...7988300--**********.839823113--view_id.185620

 

[Thelonghull]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

Black stuff on the bottom of boat. And rust ontop of black stuff. Anyone know what this is and how to get rid of it? The white part is what I cleaned off with a 220 grit wet sand by hand. Just wondering if there was an easier way to get rid of it without using chemicals... Thanks for the help! View attachment 122803View attachment 122804

 

[zopperman]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

Pics didnt work.. as a disclaimer btw my electrical wound up looking like...

 

[Thelonghull]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

Also should I repaint the boat or not... boat has some stains and rust spots in different areas of the boat. And its chalky I cleaned it really well but when I run my finger over it there is still chalk. I would really love to have it looking good, but at what point to you say, its an old boat, leave it an old boat. I have gone back and fourth on painting it a hundred times in my head... can't really decide if i should spend the money on paint. Do I need paint? Or protection on the boat? Im not even sure if there is still gelcoat on it, again its a 79 Glassmaster Patroit....

 

[JDA1975]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

if you are happy with the color that is there, then sand it, increasingly fine starting with 600 and working up to 1200 grit. don't be too aggressive, once its brought down past the oxidation, buff and wax and it will look good again. If, however, you want to give it a personal touch and make it yours then paint is an option. There are many different types and expenses in paint, a good high dollar paint will cost you a few hundred bucks. A decent paint job can cost you around 100. Woodonglass' thread has great info on a do-it-yourselfer's paint job that looks good and is fairly inexpensive. I painted my boat and trailer using his advice and am happy with the results for a first time painter.

It's all about what your looking for, if its just something to bang around the lake til it sinks and find another, leave it. If it is something you wish to restore in hopes of reliving some childhood memories and making new ones with your own children, then do it up right and make it memorable. whatever you decide, just enjoy it for as long as you can!

 

[Thelonghull]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

Thanks for the advice JDA! Did you look at the pics? There is black stuff on the bottom, any idea what that is? Or how to get rid of it? My concern is that its mold, if it is doesn't that mean that the gelcoat is gone? Another question I have is if my gelcoat is gone, do I need anything to protect the fiberglass? Thanks for the info, just not sure what to do... Thanks again for the input...

 

[Thelonghull]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

Here are the pics of that black stuff... I wet sanded with a 220 grit by hand. Just wanted to know if I could wet sand with an orbital sander with high grit sandpaper? I really don't want to use chemicals... Anyways here are the pics again Attachment 122803Attachment 122804

 

[Thelonghull]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

Here are the pics.. View attachment 122850View attachment 122851

 

[JDA1975]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

your attachments are not coming through...look into getting a photobucket account, its free, and use the /IMG code they provide to imbed your pictures directly into your post. Makes it easier to comment on each photo as you go through your post and you can post pictures in a slightly larger format that way. Not sure on the black stuff, as I hadn't seen the picture..might have missed it, will run back through and see, but on my Donor hull it had black along the keel and I found out it was coming from my roller...old rubber..so bought a new one so I don't get it on my good boat. If your gelcoat is gone in some areas...i.e. the keel from beaching, then you can repair that section of gelcoat with gelcoat. 220 grit is pretty aggressive, i would use much finer if i planned to keep and restore that gel. if your planning to paint then using 100 grit to remove the top layers of wax and scuff up the gel for paint adhesion is needed.

 

[herefishy]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

If you are posting pics, select "go advanced" on the post submittal screen, instead of "quick reply". It has been described as a glitch in the forumn, attachments don't work in quick reply, so "go advanced".

~Fishy

 

[Thelonghull]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

View attachment 122941View attachment 122942

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: First post, first boat restore...

Well, you'll certainly get gold stars for trying to post photos. But they are still not showing up...Back in a second....

Here's the 'sticky' for posting pix:

Uploading photos

Done from the 'advanced reply tab' This lets you preview it too......