Light it Up

Many boats have complex water, fuel, and electric systems which act as “veins” to carry vital fluids and energy throughout your boat. Electrical systems can be especially tricky, as there are many places for the train to come off the track. Recently I re-learned some basic lessons when engaging a dead motor. One, start with the obvious stuff – are the batteries charged and securely connected to the wire harness and, is power getting thru the breakers at the panel when the key is in the correct position? Two, is power getting to the device through the terminating wiring? Three, if there’s a switch, is it allowing power to flow to the inner device components? Four, if you disconnect the device from the original wiring scheme and run long wires straight from your battery to the device, eliminating the switch, will it start operating? Five, are you using a progressive approach with a well-grounded test light, testing one element at a time. Six, if you’re replacing the defective part with a new or rebuilt one, have you tested it prior to, and during, installation to help ensure that it will operate once fully installed and eliminating the need to repeat the original removal process. Electrical devices are an integral part of a safe and fun boating experience. Select your path carefully in this area – either hire a pro, or be very careful and diligent in your work to ensure a satisfactory outcome.