I'm sorry if I've missed some posts on this subject in the history files, but my search yielded none.
Today I had a switch fail on the main panel. It was wired to my stereo so not life threatening but I need my music. Can I get a replacement and just swap out this rocker switch? or do I need to replace the whole panel with switches? Should I expect more of these switches to fail in the future. My boat is a 1994 MK 1.75.
Thanks for any help.
Sam
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Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida
Since the stereo does not take much current to operate - I would move the lead from the broken switch to the switch that provides power to your VHF radio. That means that the stereo will have power at the same time as the VHF radio is. Then you can turn each of them off if you did not want any of them on.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
thanks, that's a perfect solution. I'm still interested in the switch failure and if I can expect more of them to go. Meanwhile I'll take your suggestion.
Thanks,Sam
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida
Sam.... the breaker switches on the main panel are easily replaced, if that is what you are talking about. You have to loosen & then retighten the breakers in the row in which the one you are replacing is located, but its really an easy fix. Just make sure you replace it with a black switch. The blacks are for the DC side and the whites are for the AC side.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Sam,
I had one of the DC switches fail for us. It happened to be for the LP valve. What I have found is that the switches have not been readily available. I ordered one from McMaster-Carr due to the inability to find matching dimensions (1/2 x 3/4 I think) at the "local" marine supply stores and their catalogs.
The DC breakers are reasonably easy to supply from local suppliers. Hope this helps.
Matt
MFail
Bolero
1994 C36, #1333
Thanks to all three of you for the helpful replies. I first did what Haro recommended only I just attached the positive power feed from the Stereo to the "common"stud on the main battery switch and just used the stereo's own power on/off switch to control it. But then I removed the problem switch and double checked it with my Ohm meter and it showed up good!. I connected it with alligator clips to the stereo and it worked. So I just reinstalled it in the panel following Chuck's suggestions. When I get a moment I'll check out my local marine supply and get a new one (and a few spares) if they have a fit.
Thanks again. This just a reminder that intermittent problems are the most difficult and annoying.
Sam
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida