Distribution Panel Addition Questions

[Valvguy1]

I am adding a VHF and Stereo to my 186. In order to do so I need to add a circuit board. I bought a board and jumpers so that I will have the circuits I need plus 4 extra. Here's where my problem starts. I can find many places where I can find the Positive Feed. I can't, however, seem to find a good ground.

Those of you that have added distribution panels........... where have you tied in the ground side?

[fridaysoff]

Valvguy1,
You may want to run the wires straight from the battery with 10-12 gauge wires.Run a positive and a negative from the battery to the circuit board.That way you will have plenty of juice for your equipment without pulling off of another circuit. It will also have power if your stereo needs constant juice for memory. Good luck.
John D.

[albacore11]

I have a 190 Bay, I used spade connectors off the existing board when I added my VHF. If I remember correctly the negative blades were on the top. My first connection did not have a ground, it was to a blade on the bottom. My second attempt was successful.

Good luck.

Chris

[cagrove]

Originally Posted by fridaysoff

Valvguy1,
You may want to run the wires straight from the battery with 10-12 gauge wires.Run a positive and a negative from the battery to the circuit board.That way you will have plenty of juice for your equipment without pulling off of another circuit. It will also have power if your stereo needs constant juice for memory. Good luck.
John D.

That's the way I wired mine. Run a positive and negative wire to your battery directly and fuze each circuit you add to your panel.

I hope this helped.

[BarryB]

Hi Val,

I ran a hot and ground wire from the battery. The hot side went through a fuse before the run to the center console. The fuse near the battery acts as the weak link if the main power feed shorts out between the stern and center console. A photo is attached.

I installed a fuse/power distribution system in the center console. You can see the power feed on the right side of the fuse/power distribution box. The ground feeds into a buss bar and individual circuits exit the top. The hot side feeds individual fuses for: VHF, Fish finder and GPS. I am in the process of adding a sound system and will eventually add some floor lighting so there are extra circuits available. I purchased the fuse/power distributiion box from West Marine. A photo is attached.

Remember, although auto grade wire is cheaper, marine grade wire is tinned and the insulation is designed for the marine environment.

Good luck.

[Valvguy1]

Thanks guys. I have to admit....... I'm a little surprised. I thought most people would just tap into another circuit. I guess the only tough part of this would be fishing the wires through and into the center console. Especially when you consider that my house has not one but TWO fish tapes caught in the wall. Went wireless after the second, lol.

[BarryB]

There should be an empty pipe from the stern to the center console to run wire through. Use heavy weed wacker line as a fish tape. Works for me.