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Like the countertop project I’ve wanted to address the electrical system onboard my 1978 Seafarer 26’ sailboat ever since I bought her last year.  Improvements last year included replacing the battery terminal connectors, adding a 12V socket and replacing the masthead light.

This season I have grander plans… replace the panel, replace all wiring except nav and masthead lights, upgrade to 6 12V sockets, add a stereo hookup for my MP3 player and replace the battery.  ‘Phase 1’ described here will attempt to do all but the battery for now.  The supplies are all enroute and I hope to tackle the job before the end of the month.

Observations from the current electrical system:

• Many wires soldered to the common ‘hot’ at the panel (not fuse protected, always on)
• Deficient or non-existent labeling makes troubleshooting difficult and time consuming
• No battery monitoring capability at the panel
• Not enough 12V plugs
• No separate house and start battery ‘banks’
• Some interior lights work, some do not
• No fans

Goals for the new electrical system:

• All circuits should be overload protected
• System should be documented and easy to troubleshoot
• Battery monitoring at the panel desired
• Add 12V plugs, include cockpit and vee berth plugs
• Move to dual battery installation, one house, one start
• Add fans
• Reserve circuits for future expansion

Here are some powerpoint diagrams I’ve put together with my intentions;