- Home | Greeting | Features | Specs | Video | Marina | Cruising | Adventures -
- Forward Cabin | Saloon | Aft Cabins | Sails | Cockpit | Enclosure | On deck -
 - Plotter and Radar | Marine Head | Refue
lling | Seacocks| Engine | Batteries | Dinghy | Anchoring -
- Inventory | Manuals | US/Canada Border | Winter | Thoughts | Troubleshooting -

The DC Switch Panel

The DC panel contains the switches for most of the boat's 12 volt electrical circuits.   12 volt functions are always available, both when at sea and when connected to shore power.

On the other hand, the 110 Volt switches (which are on a separate panel to the right and below the DC panel) only function when plugged into shore power with the yellow cord.  The 110 Volt circuits charge the 12 volt batteries, power the AC outlets, and provide hot water when the engine is not in use.

When disconnected from shore power, there is no 110 volt power available, only 12 volt DC unless you have a little inverter to plug into the 12V outlet.

When the boat is tied up and not occupied, all DC switches should  be "off", however when cabin lights, navigation, running lights, etc. are needed, appropriate switches must be turned on.  When they are, the shore power should be connected before the battery runs down.

DC switches should always be turned "off" promptly to conserve battery when their functions are not needed. For example, don't forget to turn the masthead [anchor light] switch off at dawn or to turn off the autopilot and the instruments when tied up. 

If DC switches are left "on" for more than a few hours when AC (shore) power is not connected, there is risk of running the 'house' battery down too far. 

When connected to shore power, make sure that the AC breakers on the boat and dock are "on" and working.  Otherwise, the boat's batteries could discharged to the point where damage occurs.

Be sure to monitor battery levels when on board and make sure the DC switches are off when appropriate.  The batteries can power conservative lighting, instrument and  furnace use for several days, without need for charging by engine or shore power but if lights and instruments are left on needlessly, that time is much shorter. 

This boat is equipped with LED cabin lighting which uses 10% as much as conventional lighting.  The anchoring (masthead) light is also LED, so these lights can be used as needed without much affect on battery charge.

Be sure also to turn the Espar furnace switches off when the boat is not in use. It bypasses the DC panel and will run if the temperature drops unless it is turned off.

This all sounds quite arcane and a bit scary, but all that being said, do your best, and enjoy yourself.  Don't worry.  I'd rather replace all the batteries than have someone's holiday ruined by fear of using the systems.  They are quite forgiving. 

When turning switches on and off, always press firmly to ensure positive contact.

All switches are labelled clearly as follows:

Anchor Light Bilge Pump 
Steaming Light Fresh Water Pump
Running Lights Shower Pumps
Deck Light Not Used
Cabin Lights (Starboard Side) Stereo
Cabin Lights (Port Side) Fridges
Instrument Lights 12 Volt Socket
Navigation Instruments Not Used
VHF Radio 1 Autopilot
Anchor Windlass 2 Not Used

1. Install remote (RAM) in cockpit before turning on this switch or the remote mike will not activate.

2. Always idle the engine while using the windlass to prevent electrical overload.   The windlass is only designed to lift the chain and anchor vertically, assuming the anchor is free to lift.  Motor the boat forward or back so that the chain is always hanging loose and more or less vertical while retrieving the anchor to prevent overload damage to the windlass or electrical circuits.  Do not try to pull the boat with the windlass or try to force a fouled anchor if doing so slows or stalls the windlass.

Search this site (requires Internet connection)

While the information provided here is believed to be correct at time of publication, errors are possible
and things may change, so readers should verify details before making important decisions.

- Home | Greeting | Features | Specs | Video | Marina | Cruising | Adventures -
- Forward Cabin | Saloon | Aft Cabins | Sails | Cockpit | Enclosure | On deck -
 - Plotter and Radar | Marine Head | Refue
lling | Seacocks| Engine | Batteries | Dinghy | Anchoring -
- Inventory | Manuals | US/Canada Border | Winter | Thoughts | Troubleshooting -