1987 42' Californian Electrical System

[CharlieJ]

Does anybody have any experience with the two battery switches (1-2-OFF-BOTH) on this vessel? Specifically how to gain access through the cabinetry or, barring that, how they are wired?

Thanks in advance.

[Vyndance]

Sundeck or trawler?

[CharlieJ]

Sundeck.

[bobconnie]

I would start at the Batts and work backwards ! Just a thought ! Bob and Connie

[CharlieJ]

I would if I could!! The two battery switches are installed so that I cannot gain access to their backs. Hence the questions in the OP.

[Vyndance]

Are the switches under the stereo?

[CharlieJ]

The switches are in a narrow locker outboard to port of the main power panel, located under the "bar" that separates the saloon from the galley down. The switches are stacked one over the other and are interconnected with conductors wrapped in tape. Only two 4/0 conductors enter the bottom switch. I will id the source for these conductors today which may help to unravel this mystery. The tv is located adjacent and outboard of this narrow locker in a portion of the built in cabinetry that angles aft and further outboard.

The feed to the panelboard comes directly from one of the three 8D batteries, bypassing these two switches.

I will post a picture tonight.

[CharlieJ]

Problem solved. But not without drama and a great deal of exercising my Navy based enhanced vocabulary.

The fine folks that built this vessel installed all of the cabinetry associated with the two battery switches with the screws screwed in from the INSIDE...not through the faces!!

So what, on even a space constrained 30' sailboat, should take about a minute and a half took almost three hours using the following equipment:

• 3" hole saw
• 1/2" drill motor
• Fein Multi-tool w/ 1 1/8" blade
• Right angle, close work #2 Phillips screwdriver

Removed the TV, removed the TV shelf and commence hole sawing and Fein Multi-tool cutting.


I love my job. I love my job. I love my job. I love my job.

[donradcliffe]

I was going to recommend a chain saw, but you are a professional...