New electrical panel

TravisJ · Post by **TravisJ** » Fri May 06, 2011 6:21 pm

I'm really bad about not taking "before" pictures. A few weeks ago I did some re-wiring. I put a LED light in my combo stemming/anchor light, put a new thru-hull fitting in the deck by the mast, replaced the wires inside the pole in the cabin, and put a new electrical panel in. Before it just had 4 old toggle switches. I took them out, cut a square, and put this new panel in. I love the battery meter, and the cigarette lighter so I can charge my ipod while it's playing. The only thing is there is not separate switch for the stemming light, so I just put it in with the running lights. Our local game warden seems to believe that's how it's supposed to be for sail boat anyway, lol. It's located on the Port side at the binocular shelf.

Click the thumbnail for a bigger picture:

Here's where I got it. They have lots of different types of panels:
http://www.boaterbits.ca/electrical/ele ... ghter.html

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Fri May 06, 2011 8:09 pm

Niiiice. That's one of the projects I have to do... someday.

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Fri May 06, 2011 8:59 pm

Hi Travis,

I believe you have it correct. Steamer light is part of our running lights requirement. Red and Green on the bow, White on the Stern pointing backward 180 degree spread and White on the mast pointing forward 280 Degree spread..

The deck spot light is the optional light.

Thanks
Alan

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Fri May 06, 2011 10:01 pm

Just FYI:

If you are motoring your sailboat at night you will need the steaming light along with the stern white light and the red/green lights.

IF you are sailing at night and the motor is off, you DO NOT run your steaming light.

If your steaming light is on, others will assume you are under power and just might not give you proper right of way.

Just sayin' . . . . .
Scott

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Sat May 07, 2011 8:35 am

As usual, 69Shark is exactly right. There are different light sets for steaming vs under sail power - now if the power boaters could just learn them (editorial just slipped out).

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Sun May 08, 2011 10:28 am

Okay I need it spelled out even more clearly here.

Under sail I must have the red/green bow light, white stern light and white steamer light when sailing at night.

Under motor power sails up or not I need red/green bow light, white stern light and no steamer light when sailing at night.

I got this part so far. Now for my question of concern.

I'm motoring at night and I am running the red/green bow light, white stern light and the white steamer light on the mast. Note: I have the Steamer light ON and I am motoring not sailing. Am I legal/proper/kosher or is this a sailing No-No that I've been committing for years motoring past the Coast Guard station back to port at night?

AM I still okay if I'm running my steamer light anyway?

Thanks
Alan

mcrandall · Post by **mcrandall** » Sun May 08, 2011 10:42 am

You've been doing it right. Your first discription is wrong. Steaming means you are under power by your engine. Engine on, steamer light on.

And if the steamer light is on, you are appropriately considered a power vessel.

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Sun May 08, 2011 10:54 am

Okay I got it now.

Under Steam (motor), use the Steamer light, Under sail not steaming, no steamer light. Nice!

Thanks
Alan

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Sun May 08, 2011 7:21 pm

Mark, that is way too simple of an explanation. I've been trying to remember the order for a couple years. You made it way easy! Thanks!!

mcrandall · Post by **mcrandall** » Sun May 08, 2011 7:24 pm

Simple things for simple people. The ONLY way I can remember stuff!