Rework Electrical Panel (July 2000)

The original electrical panel had the following installed items: the Columbia panel, a stereo radio and a basic 110 Vac panel. In addition, this panel only provided access from the aft side.

We reworked this panel and its mounting system to allow access to the wiring and components by pivoting the panel forward. We made a new plywood substrate, resurfaced with matching laminate. We revised the lengths of and rerouted several wires. We also acquired and installed a new Blue Star, 110 Vac electrical panel with circuit breakers for cabin lighting, battery charger, GFCI outlets and three spare positions. We scrapped the old car stereo installation in favor of a nice boom box. The ammeter was relocated to this panel as part of the engine controls project. Below, on the left. is the view inside the cabin and on the right, the top of the panel is pivoted forward and downward.

{Lessons Learned:

1. Study features that are shown either at boat shows or in magazines.
2. Always include features that will make any future maintenance task easier to perform.}