Wiring and Lighting

[kydocfrog]

I've completed some deck fittings, stood on my head for hours getting the bits anchored, put access hatches in the lazarette, and other odds and ends. But with my unheated garage, the weather is closing me down for anything that includes the words "apply only when temperature is over fifty degrees." So, on to more detail work.

I'd be interested in comments on anyone's experience with wiring up a Weekender. Placement of bow lights, through deck wiring penetrations, mast head light; things of that nature. I'm planning of putting a battery tray right in front of the mast box as part of the whole ballast thing and I'd eventually like to have a trickle solar charger, but that's about as far as I've gone.

Thanks, and a very Merry Christmas to all of you and your families.

DocA

[Jim Stumpf]

In my Vacationer I have installed the following and have been pretty happy with the results:

-Deep Cell battery mounted in the forepeak

-West Marine three circuit breaker panel with volt meter, 12 volt power port and lighted switches (mounted in the aft side of the forepeak bulkhead)

-On the forward side of the fore peak bulk head I have installed small bus bars to make power and ground connections

-White transom mounted light

-Bi-colored steaming light mounted on mast just below the goose neck and above the cabin top

-I've opted not to install a mast head light to keep things clean and simple. For the few times that I have anchored over night I attach a colman battery operated lantern to the jib halyard and run it up the forestay or a shroud. This fall I picked up an LED allround light that plugs into a power port and has a clip to attach it to a halyard.

-At the galley cabinet I have installed an AM/FM radio into a small counter top cabinet along with a second power port to plug in my GPS or charge a cell phone

-Also on the aft side of the forepeak bulk head I have installed a cabin light

-When camping on the boat I always carry two coleman waterproof battery lanterns. They fit on the spindle shelf in the cabin and can be used on the galley cabinet, in the cockpit, carried ashore to find the restroom, or run up a halyard for anchor or saftey lights.

-All of my wire was run in clips under or on the face of the deck stringers

-To charge the battery I have a universal battery charger with a deep cell setting that sits on a shelf in the forepeak that I just plug into the garage or power at a campground. This I already had but a nice bulkhead mount would be nice in the future. The battery I have is more than enough for extended weekend cruises at this stage I don't have any need for solar charging.

As I read the laws you need for sailing and motoring an aft white light and red/green side lighting.

If you anchor you need an all-around white light

Study some online catalogs for fixtures and wiring supplies they are very helpful in helping you plan your needs, wants and budget.

Hope this helps

Jim

[Brent]

Consider installing PVC conduit to run the wires in before sealing up the decks. Make a very nice installation that is easy to maintain over time.

[Barry Pyeatt]

If you plan on doing any cruising or late evening sailing, I would recommend that you consider a dual function cabin light. (Red/white) It will do a lot to protect your "night" vision.

I ran PVC Electrical conduit from the forepeak to the switch panel/circuit breakers on my main bulkhead and then from there back to the lazerette. That keeps the wiring contained and protected. The conduit is not sealed so that any condensation can dry/be blown out.

I too find that a battery lantern hauled up on the jib halyard is a very practical anchor light arrangement.

Here is a schematic I drew up for my Weekender. What is not included on the schematic is a Battery selector switch which I am including in the system. A cigarette lighter socket is one of the Accessory circuits for other plug in devices (Portable CD player, etc.)

[attachment over 4 years old deleted by admin]

[tdrown]

I have two car batteries in the forepeak (which now seems to have too much weight). They run to a battery switch and then a fuse box with switchs, a voltmeter, and a 12v outlet (cigarette lighter kind). I have a cabin light that was a car dome light I bought at A&A Auto, a light in the cockpit just below the wheel, and a light on the stern above the tiller. Right now I have a 'C-clamp' battery powered bow lights attached to the bowspirit. I'll eventually replace that. For anchor light I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Hopefully Santa is going to bring auxillary power to the boat this Christmas (fat chance).

The red night cabin light is a great idea, I might just have to use that one.

[Tim Diebert]

This was a topic on my wee brain lately as well.

Great info guys.

Thanks.

Great schematic Barry.