1976 Tartan 30 Electrical Help

Zavierich · #1 (**permalink**) 01-18-2012

Hello All,

I just found out about this forum, and thought it was quite a find! I am currently a member of a Sea Scout Ship, a sailing based Boy Scouts organization. AS of last month or so, we acquire a 1976 Tartan 30, which was in horrible condition. as I started refurbishing it, t was apparent that the cabin lights were not working, and we don't know why. Would anyone know here?

Also, when we plug the boat into the dockside electrical, the lights also continue not to work. Could it be an issue because of the fuses were blown out? Or is there some other underlying cause?

Thanks!
Zavierich

[IMG]file:///Users/omarwyman/Downloads/Attachments_2012_01_18/DSC00199.JPG[/IMG]

Thats the picture of the boat on the outside.. inside its a wreak; also, the engine was cracked and we are replacing it.

mitiempo · #2 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012

Lights would be 12 volt, run from the batteries. When plugged in to shore power the battery charger - if there is one - would charge the batteries.

Because older boats usually have multiple changes/additions from previous owners the best solution is to trace the wiring and check the connections. A full or partial re-wiring may be required depending on what is there and its condition. It could be fuses which need to be checked also.

mm2187 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012

Does any of the other electical work? I would start with testing the batteries, then look for in line fuses or circuit breakers. A multimeter would be helpful to test the voltages along the way. Start on one side of the curcuit and work your way backwards.

Zavierich · #4 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012

Well, we just got word of getting it last weekend. I plan to personally view the ship on saturday, but I have not seen the electrical, all this information is what was given by the owner.

What would you guys recommend as a plan of action to make sure the boat's wiring is in working order?

mitiempo · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012

Get a good book like this one by Charlie Wing Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook: Amazon.ca: Charlie Wing: Books
It will explain how things work and how they should be.

Start at the batteries and check each connection. As you go through everything try to understand what it is for and what each does. Buy a digital multimeter - they are not expensive.

Zavierich · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012

Thanks! And no worries on the multimeter: I participate in my schools robotics club and own my own.