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Topic Title: Houseboat Wiring
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Created On: 01/20/2008 04:59:44 PM

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01/20/2008 04:59:44 PM
Poolboy Junior Member Posts: 3 Joined: 01/20/2008	Hi everyone, I am new to houseboats but know a bit about other boats. ( a bit, no expert by any means). I have recently acquired a '72 Leisure Craft 46' Inside it's not bad and the engine 224 V8 GM sounds sweet. However, some idiot has chomped through a few of the wires in the engine area such as the trim controls and soem I can't see where they came from. I can fix the trim motor I have even rebuilt the trim pump and motor so I know that will be fine. However, life would be much easier if I had a diagram - not just the basic SELOC Stern Drive book - I can't find a houseboat diagram anywhere. I need to see how to deal with the 110 and the 12v. I was shocked (excuse the pun) when I found how the 110 is switched between shore and the generator. There must be a better system that the switch the Frankenstein used to apply power to the monster to start it up. I am looking for the regs plus a hint on what wire colors are normally used for the various switches and dials. This thing also has a big red warning light on the dash that comes on when you turn the key and it doesn't go out. The battery seems fine and the thing cranks over and starts fine - no voltmeter so I can't really see what is going on. Any info is very welcome.....
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01/20/2008 07:39:53 PM
Ike Admiral Posts: 264 Joined: 07/24/2006	you would be darned lucky to find a houseboat wiring diagram. Anyway boat wiring is boat wiring. The principles are the same whether it's a houseboat or a power cruiser. I suggest you take a look at http://newboatbuilders.com/pages/elect.html That will tell you the regulations and lead you to the section on DC systems and AC systems. (Basic Electricity) There are also some basic wiring diagrams at the bottom of the electrical page. There are some good books on electrical systems. Boating Magazine's Powerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems by Ed Sherman Boatowner's Illustrated Handbook of Wiring, by Charlie Wing Your Boat's Electrical System, by Conrad Miller and E. S. Maloney Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual, by Nigel Calder The 12 Volt Bible, by Miner K Brotherton and Ed Sherman I would suggest Ed Sherman's book or Nigel Calder's If you have specific questions ask them and we'll try to help. I would strongly suggest that when you get into the AC wiring you hire a certified marine electrician. ------------------------- Ike "Don't tell me I can't. Tell me how I can!" New Boat Builders Home Page My Boating Safety Blog My Boat Building News Blog Edited: 01/20/2008 at 07:41:51 PM by Ike
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01/20/2008 08:07:34 PM
Poolboy Junior Member Posts: 3 Joined: 01/20/2008	Hey, thanks for that. I have no problem with wiring but I do understand and agree with your concerns - I just want keep to the rules and conventions. I have a number of projects under my belt and it frequently scares me what "professionals" (all be it not the majority) do as custom and practice. What I was trying to do was find out how the typical installation is configured and that way I was hoping to limit the amount unnecessary tearing out. I am sure the links etc that you have provided will prove invaluable! Thanks again.
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01/20/2008 08:15:04 PM
Poolboy Junior Member Posts: 3 Joined: 01/20/2008	Your link to http://newboatbuilders.com/pages/elect.html is great.... Thanks!
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01/21/2008 06:40:40 AM
stmbtwle Admiral Posts: 2142 Joined: 04/22/2003	Thanks Ike I can use that link too! ------------------------- Willie She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw
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01/21/2008 06:38:29 PM
Ike Admiral Posts: 264 Joined: 07/24/2006	Thanks, that's what the web site is for. Also that is why I said certified marine electrician. Ask them "are you ABYC Certified?" If not, don't hire them. There are significant differences between wiring ashore and wiring on board. An on shore electrician may thoroughly know their business, but get on a boat and make a mistake that can kill you. ------------------------- Ike "Don't tell me I can't. Tell me how I can!" New Boat Builders Home Page My Boating Safety Blog My Boat Building News Blog
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01/21/2008 07:01:45 PM
alreadygone Admiral Posts: 792 Joined: 02/07/2004	"Also that is why I said certified marine electrician. Ask them "are you ABYC Certified?" If not, don't hire them." Ike While certainly good advice, I'm betting I could buy a entire older used HB for what it'd cost to get such a individual to come this far inland for the time most projects would take. Most of us are forced to "do it ourselves" simply because the ideal solution simply isn't doable. Respectfully, Bob ------------------------- I carry a gun because it's too tiring carrying a cop.
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01/21/2008 09:39:45 PM
stmbtwle Admiral Posts: 2142 Joined: 04/22/2003	BINGO! ------------------------- Willie She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw
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01/22/2008 08:12:42 AM
DaleHollow Admiral Posts: 606 Joined: 06/27/2007	IM in the houseboat building capital of the south according to the chamber of commerce sign. I went to a shop foreman of one of the boat builders and ask if they laid off during the off season so as to hire a certified electrician. I was told there people work a 4 day week thus they can contract privately themselves. He put me in touch with there head electrician who has agreed to wire my boat. The best part of it is all the buttons bells and whistles he will need to do the job he gets from the boat builder........less anything I want to shop and buy else ware but we agreed it must be the same item he would get. Sure makes it easier on both of us. I know very few have this option but if u have a boat manuf. close by dont be afraid to ask for help. Plus these guys know where to put the switch and which switch you need .......... As i have learned with this hobby especially being new at it. And No deep pockets here to fall back on there are lots of ways to enjoy the outtings with what you have ------------------------- "Come OOON Back............
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01/22/2008 06:31:04 PM
Ike Admiral Posts: 264 Joined: 07/24/2006	Now that was definitely using your head. I probably wouldn't have thought of that. ------------------------- Ike "Don't tell me I can't. Tell me how I can!" New Boat Builders Home Page My Boating Safety Blog My Boat Building News Blog
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02/04/2008 06:00:50 AM
stmbtwle Admiral Posts: 2142 Joined: 04/22/2003	I'd read the label on the plug. They ARE labeled and they're NOT interchangeable. Look on the face of the connector. What they're connected to is anyone's guess. It's time to start crawling around in the dungeon and trace some wires; for safety, unplug the shore power first. If the white one turns out to be a 240v plug it's PROBABLY for the air conditioner., but again, you won't know for sure till you trace the wires. ------------------------- Willie She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw Edited: 02/04/2008 at 06:11:36 AM by stmbtwle
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02/05/2008 12:22:23 PM
TheJudge Admiral Posts: 282 Joined: 05/01/2006	Need more info. The yellow line looks like a 30 amp. and the white one looks like a 50 amp line. Perspective in photo could be misleading however. I have never seen a boat around my dock that has both but I suppose there could be a reason. One has already been mentioned and that is a separate line dedicated to AC and other heavy wattage appliances. Have you unscrewed the unused plug to see what is behind it? I would bet it is a cable TV/phone connect and not a third plug. ------------------------- The Judge Rules
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