This is my first time, so there's some apprehension for what is for many of you second nature.
I'm going to be installing a Garmin 4008 chartplotter with a GSD 22 depth sounder and a through hull transducer on my 1986 C36 MK I.
The through hull transducer, the GSD 22 depth sounder, the anntena and all associated interconnecting wiring/cables don't concern me; it's the power source from the circuit panel at the nav station that has me worried. I'm going to be disconnecting and removing two devices; an old depth sounder and a speed sensor (paddlewheel type) that no longer work and are both on an 'instruments' switch on the panel. The thought is to connect the new Garmin to this 'instruments' location and install the proper size fuse.
I think it's going to be relatively simple but does anyone have any 'words of wisdom' I can get before I 'go in'?
James J, C36 MK I, Hull 537
It sounds that if you are not baffled by the Garmin wiring and depth sounder you will do fine at the main power panel.
My boat an 88 model has circuit breakers for the various systems. Navigation and comunication on one C.B. the rating of the breaker is high enough that it will handle multiple loads but, will not protect individual pieces of equipment such as your Garmin. A seperate inline fuse for the added gear would be recommended. You mention you will install the proper size fuse, I do not know if your main panel has breakers or replacable fuses. Either way I would recommend a seperate in line fuse for individual pieces of gear if ganged to one main breaker or fuse. Another option would be to install a small sub panel for individual fuses for multiple accesories powered by the main panel switch.
I am sure you will do fine, pictures and details of what you run into or your version of how this should be done would be welcomed by all here.
Cepheus dream
C36 MK I # 825
MK I Tech Editor No Mas
Jim,
I see nothing wrong with your plan.
Use a volt meter to confirm the proper polarity, develop a good connector plan for making the new connections to the panel.
Have a couple correct size fuse for the load, available. Keep a spare on board the boat and label it.
Use some wire ties to keep your wire runs neat.
Pay attention to what you touch while working on the power panel.
Turn off (unplug from) shore power and turn off your battery system. Just to be safe and sure.
Check you connections and clean up after your done. Only then should you restore your shore and battery power.
It's not brain surgery, you should be up and running in no time.
Bill Matley
Bill Matley
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan, Michigan
Lakes Huron, Michigan,
Canadian North Channel
"Spirit of Aloha" Hull #1252
James,
I ran into the same problem you are trying to solve. I am using my instrument switch to run a chartplotter, AIS and a DSM30 (the same thing as the Garmin GSD22). After doing some research I used the following product.
Check out the Blue Sea #5015 Glass Fuse Block with negative bus. Although there may be a few extra fuse holders left over it or something similar might solve your problem. The nice thing about this model is you merely attach the positve lead from your switch to the positve post and your ground wire to the negative post. You then can run your positve leads to your two Garmin units with a separate independent fuse for each unit (as well as running the ground wires to the negative bus). The Fuse Block even has a protective cover plate.
[url]http://bluesea.com/category/5/21/productline/125[/url]
I would suggest you check the amps and make sure the panel switch can handle the load. Also you might want to beef up the wire coming from the switch to the unit. I used #10 wire.
I also found a problem with my wiring when I got my boat. The previous owner or manufacturer only had one wire coming from the main battery switch to the toggle switches. The connection between the two rows of toggle switches was connected with a juper wire. Even when there was a small load with few swtiches turned on the result was the wires getting warm. One of the wires got so warm the plastic covering began to fuse to a nearby wire. My solution was to remove the jumper wire that connected the two rows of switches and installed a separate wire from the battery switch to each row of switches.
I used #10 wire for the fix. The fix was simple and took care of the problem.
Chris
Chris Stewart
S/V "24~7"
1984 Catalina 36 Tall
Hull #251 M25
(SF Bay) Alameda, CA
Keep in mind that the purpose of a fuse or a circuit breaker is to *Protect the Boat*, not to protect the unit being supplied.
What I mean is that the CB or fuse must be sized for the smallest wire guage downstream of it. If the CB/fuse is too large for the smallest wiring downstream, a short in the system (such as in the AIS box or the chartplotter box, or in a connector, or in...) won't pop its protection device, and the overheated wire could cause a fire.
CBs and fuses are there to protect the vessel and its crew, not the black box they feed.
Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
Exactly right, Larry! Well said. To protect the device, add a separate fuse near the device.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Thanks so much for all the quick replies!
You've all given me great info, I'm a lot more relaxed now going into this install.
Once again, glad I joined C36IA!
James J, C36 MK I, Hull 537
Garmin 4008 Install Update
I have revised the equipment list changing the GSD 22 and matching through hull transducer to a Garmin'Intelliducer' a combo through hull transducer and black box that will plug into the NMEA 2000 network giving me a digital depth reading. That's all I wanted, save my keel.
Keep you updated with photos.
James J, C36 MK I, Hull 537
You have an NMEA 2000 network on your boat? No other C36 I am aware of uses NMEA 2000.
Typically, our generation of boats uses NMEA 0183 digital format.
Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
The NMEA 2000 network will be new, I will create it with the Garmin 4008 and accessories. All I have now is a very tempermental Coastal Navigator DDS-200 and an inoperable Coastal Navigator KM-200 knotmeter.
I'm closely adhering to the KISS principals here, baby steps right now, and the Garmin equipment I have selected with their NMEA 2k 'plug and play' approach make it even easier for me. (Not a plug for Garmin).
James J, C36 MK I, Hull 537
Update.
Been planning the work for some time now but was a little awe striken at the scope. Installed a Jabsco electric toilet pump upgrade and realized it wasn't such a big deal, so I installed the Garmin 4008 and NMEA 2000 network earlier today. I was planning on taking photos but left my camera at home. The NMEA 2K network is really slick, 'plug and play' as they say.
Only thing left to do is change out my old transducer with the Garmin 'Inteliducer' which plugs into the network and provides depth and temperature data. Probably do the haul and hold this week, that'll take care of the transducer.
Truly a sweet sight to see when I turned the Garmin on, IT WORKED!!!
All the threads I've been reading here at C36IA have really helped my confidence in undertaking these projects. Thanks everyone :)
Next in line is a battery upgrade!
James J, C36 MK I, Hull 537