Just getting to grips with my boat's electrics; no specific wiring diagram unfortunately.
The important stuff all works ok; vhf, gps, nav lights, interior lights.
The bilge pump had stopped working but that was my fault as I hadn't noticed it's return wire slipping down, out of sight, when I added my solar controller's return to the same battery - doh!
Anyway, what doesn't seem to work is my anchor light (mast top) nor my foredeck light (spreader level).
I have a 4 prong connector near the mast hinge with one skinny prong and 3 fat ones.
Is this normal? If so, I wondered where the wiring goes - up the mast. I'm assuming there's a common return and 3 lives but with all switches on (and live, at the panel) only one of the 3 "lives" at the connector seems to actually be live.
It's really a job for the winter, when the mast is down, since we're not planning any night sailing this season. Just thought I'd mention it whilst it's fresh.
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
You could maybe put a meter on the deck socket to see if the power is getting that far, if it's not you could fault find it gently at your leisure. If it is getting that far you know it's a problem up the mast. Could be handy to have the anchor light in case plans change or you get caught out for some reason (my wife calls me captain cautious because I always plan for the worst possible scenarios). Don't go worrying too much though, you can always hoist a lantern up there if you need to (always have a plan B!)
Yes thanks Harry, Amen to all that.
My wife is determined that I get rid of my spare anchor, "why do you need two anchors?" :)
I was just going to stop being anal and get a plug in 360 DEG anchorage light BUT then remembered that I needed the steaming light so I'm persevering.
Next step is to sort out the continuity between the breaker/switch on the panel and the connector at the mast base.
There must be an additional connector between them (different wire type), I just need to find it.
Hoping to take Mrs Floutier out for her first jaunt tomorrow if the weather allows.
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
On anchors, Mike, It is a long 26 feet or so and a difficult journey from the cockpit to the front anchor; while you struggle to get there many things could happen. Having a second 'emergency' anchor in the cockpit is so much easier and good seamanship and can Mrs Floutier control the boat while you struggle to the foredeck? Mrs Armitage certainly can't and I timed my crew before setting off on the Round the Island (of Wight) Race and with the forehatch closed and locked down, we could have been in Lymington before we were ready.
I keep mine in an old hessian shopping bag from ASDA , always attached to a stanchion, with a length of chain and rope, so ready to go at a moments notice. I also put a cushion on it while sailing so crew can sit in some comfort,
I don't understand electrics. all I know is that the mast is stuffed with polystyrene to aid buoyancy but that doesn't help threading cables through it. I think there are many conversations on the website to peruse.
Good Luck
Many thanks Simon, I like the idea of the spare anchor at the stern.
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
Don't forget there can be occasions when fore & aft anchoring is desirable. In a river where there's no room to swing for example. A stern anchor is also a great help when beaching.
So in fact you DO need two anchors!
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Thanks Rick, I'l let her know:)
Anyway, getting back to my mast electrics, it just dawned on me that the reason there are three "lives" in the deck connector is that there is the steaming light as well as the anchor light and the fore-deck light - doh!
Not sure what to dismantle to expose the remaining wiring ie. from the top left of the big mirror to the through-deck fitting.
I'll start with the mini-mirror just to the right of the heads - how hard can it be?
Hope you're all having a great time at Poole!
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
I wonder if water's got behind the deck fitting, it's really hard to speculate on a "new to you" boat when you don't know what the previous owner's been up to, I'm sure you'll make sense of it pretty quickly though. I hope Mrs Floutier enjoyed her first outing... G&T mixed correctly etc.
Thanks Harry I'm sure all will become clear.
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50