NAV/ANC switch keeps tripping the breaker

[NelsonQ]

I have a 2010 Hurricane SS 188. It has the dual rocker switch (up for full NAV lights, down for Anchor light)

In the up position last week, the lights worked for about 2 mins and then tripped the breaker. Now, if you reset the breaker, try again, it immediately lights up the bow lights and stern light, and pops the breaker.

However, if I put it in the down position, the stern lights comes on and works as it should.

This leads me to believe there is one of two problems.

1. There is a short in one of the two wires to the bow lights
2. There is a faulty rocker switch

Anyone else experience this or have suggestions before I start crawling into the nether regions of my boat to figure this out?

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: NAV/ANC switch keeps tripping the breaker

So it appears I've found the issue. There is a common ground across all switches along with a source power which illuminates the switches when the NAV lights are turned on. The common ground had contact another wire on one of the other switches. When I'd turn on the NAV lights, it would in turn attempt to turn on all of the switch illumination and trip the circuit breaker.

It appears #1 was somewhat correct in that it was a short, just not where I expected it.

 

[ShadowB]

Re: NAV/ANC switch keeps tripping the breaker

Thanks for sharing!

ShadowB

 

[cjjjdeck]

Re: NAV/ANC switch keeps tripping the breaker

I second Shadow's reply!

Many, if not all of us with Hurricanes have these switches, it's good to know!

Thanks!

 

[billdewberry]

Re: NAV/ANC switch keeps tripping the breaker

Could you post a picture of the ground wire?

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: NAV/ANC switch keeps tripping the breaker

Could you post a picture of the ground wire?

billdewberry, my boat is still in storage as winter is just deciding to leave so unfortunately I don't have a photo to share or ability to get one anytime soon. However, there is a black ground that runs to your main power switch and from there is a daisy chained black ground across the entire set of switches. It should be easy to trace if you work from the main power switch in the direction you're interested in.