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Catalina 25 Specific Forum

New Switch Panel Project Completed

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Cate
Navigator

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199 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/14/2006 : 15:30:24

One of my major upgrades for this season was to replace my original switch panel (1983) with a new one from CD. I ordered the panel that they said would fit my orginal opening...

http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=618

BUT...no-o-o-o. Quick trip to Lowes for a jigsaw.
I will say all the hardware CD supplies were excellent and top quality. The installation directions were also very good. We were able to clean up a lot of the wiring mess created by POs. Since there were more switches we were able to give each device it's own switch.
The entire project took about 5 hours including the run to Lowes for a jigsaw and cutting a bigger opening.

The miracle of this project was connecting the new 4-plex mast wiring. (I had previously installed a 4-pin deck connector). We didn't know what wire went to what on the mast, but the places we plugged into on the switch panel turned out to be the correct connections FIRST TIME! It was great way to end the project with a small miracle.

We are almost ready for overnights. Last project will be installing two new Trojan AGM Grp. 27s batteries. My electrcian friend says I don't need a switch. Hmm.

1983 C-25, Standard rig, swing keel

Edited by - on

djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 06/14/2006 : 16:50:46

Hi Cate, I am glad to hear it all went well. I need the possitive stories as I am going to be doing the same thing this weekend. Cheers.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 06/14/2006 : 18:08:25

Cate,

Congratulations on completing the project ! I am not yet ready for that stage...but the day is coming. Right now, the mast is rewired, the lights all work but I have 3m 5200 in place of the old deck connector. The new deck connector is laying in the cabin and rewiring to the old switch panel is next on the agenda. Not yet ready for the switch panel but ....your project completion gives encouragement.

Enjoy your overnighters !

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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 06/14/2006 : 19:17:24

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Cate
 We are almost ready for overnights. Last project will be installing two new Trojan AGM Grp. 27s batteries. My electrcian friend says I don't need a switch. Hmm.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The key to hooking up batteries without a switch between them is making sure both batteries the same size and age. I don't have a switch either. I have a electric start with a hand start backup. Stayed aboard 7 days running off those two batteries, no problems starting motor with elect start. If you have a inboard or no means to start your motor without battery power then I would put a switch. But as long as you can start by hand there should be no problems hooking up without a switch.

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mcollard
1st Mate

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USA
38 Posts

Response Posted - 06/14/2006 : 20:28:29

Cate, did you install the new panel in the original location? I need at least a new switch, but to tackle the rat's nest of wire I need to first lose 150 pounds so that I can fit in the lazarette compartment.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 06/15/2006 : 02:18:34

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by mcollard
 Cate, did you install the new panel in the original location? I need at least a new switch, but to tackle the rat's nest of wire I need to first lose 150 pounds so that I can fit in the lazarette compartment.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I am 300 pounds and the trick for me on my 82 was too take out the bulkhead between the quarterberth and lazerette (remove quarterberth cushions too), slide in the sail locker that way and sit on a couple of throwable cushions. I must have done it a half a dozen times as I mounted my battery charger and rewired the power panel, ran new wires for a new stern light, speaker wires, etc.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 06/15/2006 : 06:37:40

We actually removed the bulkhead entirely to cut it. Took all of 10 minutes. I was small enough to squeeze my behind into the sail locker to wire everything though.

dw

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Cate
Navigator

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199 Posts

Response Posted - 06/15/2006 : 08:38:30

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by mcollard
 Cate, did you install the new panel in the original location? I need at least a new switch, but to tackle the rat's nest of wire I need to first lose 150 pounds so that I can fit in the lazarette compartment.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Yep. I was tucked into the lazarette while my electrician buddy worked on the other side. We detached the old panel with most wires intact and pulled it through the opening. In order to pull it through we did have to disconnect some of the shorter wires and label them.

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panhead1948
Captain

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345 Posts

Response Posted - 06/15/2006 : 13:11:31

It must be that time of year. I did my replacement last week also. Now I have to run the wire from the mast plug to the panel for my deck light. and I'm all done.

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 06/15/2006 : 17:39:45

Yep Panhead, I think you are right. The only think stopping me from completing my rewire is getting my fat #(& into the sail lock to unscrew the bottom row of screws. I installed the through deck fittings today. Cheers.

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