Yet Another Project

Marathon, Florida
24 42.40 081 N 05.68 W


My project for today is to replace all the toggle switches on our boat's electrical system.  I had two of the old switches start giving trouble.  That's a sign that all needed replacing.  These switches are not specifically designed for marine use, therefore they are subject to E-wasting disease.  

As you can see in the pictures, space is really cramped in there.  The switches are closely packed, the wires even more so, and the screws that fasten them are very tiny.  Since I'm so subject to the dropsies,
this was not a pleasant job for me.  I figure that I must have dropped those screws more times than there are stars in the sky.  I took the pictures when the job was half done.  See the old corroded switches and the shiny new ones.

Actually I would have liked to modernize the system and replaced all those switches and fuses with circuit breakers.  It might have been posssible, but I'm skeptical about fitting them all in the same panel space as the old switches.   

You see, projects on a boat can get out of hand quickly.  If I had to move all or part of the panel, I would have to move the wiring bundles to them.   They likely would be a different length, so I would have to replace at least some of the wires.  Access to those wires is under the starboard fuel tank.  I would have to remove the tank first.  The tank in turn is enclosed in carpentry that forms the engine compartment and starboard lazarette locker. I would have to tear out and replace that old carpentry.   Carpentry is the one thing I fear most on the boat.  I have zero woodworking skills or tools.   

p.s. My missing wallet was found and turned into the Marina Office by persons unknown.  Everything is intact.  I love cruisers.  They are so honest and so helpful.