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Upgrading Electrical Distribution Panel

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rwbragdon
Deckhand

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USA
20 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/02/2011 : 09:31:10

Has anyone upgraded their electrical distribution panel from the one that came installed by the factory? Over the years I've added a stereo, a chartplotter and an outlet charger and I want to install a Blaster pump but really think I should not be "doubling-up" on the switches. Am I wrong?

Bob
250WK - 2005
#814 "Menehune"
Marblehead, MA

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mhartong
Navigator

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USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2011 : 10:50:46

I don't think you are wrong. It keeps things neat and organized, and allows you to size the breaker for each load.

I replaced mine with a Paneltronics DC 12 Position Panel with Main and Voltmeter Part 9992206 http://www.paneltronics.com/ip.asp?op=Panel_9992206& i02_item_number=9992206. I mounted the new panel below the existing panel, and used the space left by the original stock DC panel to mount my AC Panel (Also a Paneltronics) http://www.paneltronics.com/ip.asp?op=Panel_9992313& i02_item_number=9992313.

This allowed me to have 1 DC load per breaker with 2 spares for future growth. The Voltmeter can be set up to check the terminal voltage of two batteries. Similarly with the AC panel- 1 load per AC breaker with 1 for future growth.

I have a picture of what it looks like on my website http://www.markhartong.net/Persephone/Photos/Photos.html in the March 2011 photo album.

Edited by - mhartong on 06/02/2011 13:56:12

Tomas Kruska
Admiral

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Czech Republic
522 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2011 : 11:02:28

Mark, I checked your website photos and found that you managed to get the Yanmar inboard pretty hidden and still have the full berth behind.

My VolvoPenta MD2010 grabbed 1/3 of the rear berth. C250 is very roomy

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mhartong
Navigator

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USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 06/04/2011 : 18:57:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Tomas Kruska
 Mark, I checked your website photos and found that you managed to get the Yanmar inboard pretty hidden and still have the full berth behind.

My VolvoPenta MD2010 grabbed 1/3 of the rear berth. C250 is very roomy

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thanks... I'd like to take credit, but the location and setup were laid out by the Catalina design team.

They did a very nice job.

It can be tricky getting out of the aft beth the first few times, but once you learn the trick, its not a problem. After adding cockpit port holes to add some additional fresh air and light, and a Froli Sleep System under the mattress everyone wants the aft berth.

Maintenance wise the setup is a dream- lift the engine box off, and you have complete unrestricted access to all four sides of the engine,

There is a trade off though- Unlike your MD2010, the Yanmar 1GM10/SD20 combo is only a single cylinder and it is raw water ( vice fresh water cooled).

I can't complain about the performance or fuel consumption though- a little over 9 HP at 3600 max rpm, 8HP at 3000 rpm continuous with 0.35 gal/hour fuel consumption at 3000 rpm, and a relatively flat torque of around 13 ft-lbs between 2400 and 3600 rpm. with no prop walk. The whole engine/SD combo ways in about 230 lbs, its low and centerline which helps stability, and there is never any prop race issues.

Edited by - mhartong on 06/04/2011 18:58:50

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 06/05/2011 : 11:44:46

Hey Bob, how about posting some info on those opening ports you put in the aft berth area. Model #s, photos of the install, etc. That is a project I keep thinking about.

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rwbragdon
Deckhand

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USA
20 Posts

Response Posted - 08/14/2011 : 09:06:09

Mark. Can you tell me how you secured your new panel to wall?

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mhartong
Navigator

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USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 08/14/2011 : 11:55:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by rwbragdon
 Mark. Can you tell me how you secured your new panel to wall?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Fiberglassed 2 strips of wood as brackets to the hull, then screwed the side pieces to the brackets, and another flat piece perpendicular on the bracket to act as a place to mount the front panel ...That way avoid putting any potential screw holes through the hull.....

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.