frustration frustration

why is it so difficuolt to find a "comprehensible" wiring diagram of an inboard boat? I can pretty much build anything - I have very basic idea on electricity - but damn if I can find a diagram that I understand. It is just killing me- Simple boat, a house bank a start bank, standard instrumentation - just the basic stuff. Calders books are way way over my head - any ideas?

Be careful this could turn into a very long thread.

Lets start with the batteries - both banks are on a simple old school off 1 2 both switch. Do I need an isolater? Worked for 20 years. but I had to ask.

 

I think there's a couple of good threads on here about that. Sorry I don't have time to look them up. Here's a diag I did awhile back that's been posted here before. It's a start. Do a google search on Aldun Trull, he's got some good examples on his site.

 

It's not impossible to find a comprehensible wiring diagram, you have to understand the basics of resistive and reactive circuits.

Nigel Calders books are about as well written as they come. If they are way over your head then you need to read them again, and again and again until they start to make sense to you.

When I first started trying to understand marine electrical system installation and design I was as lost as you are now. I practically slept with Calders Marine Electrical and Mechanical Systems. I also read a lot on line (I especially like Blue Sea Systems website).

After a few months of study it all started to make sense. That's not to say I was (or am now) an expert, but I have a solid understanding of how and why things work as they do on a proper boat.

People go to college to study what you are trying to understand. If you really want to understand boat electrical system design, you need to approach it like you were going to school.

Study, study and then study some more. It's the only way, there are no shortcuts.

BTW, if you don't yet understand Calders books I don't see how you'll possibly make sense of Knottyboyz diagram.

Regards,

MIA

 

After years of doing these sort of things, I've noticed that some folks seem to get along easily with electrical systems, while others, in spite of being quite skilled in other areas, just can't get a handle on it.

You appear to be one of the latter, so maybe you should hire someone or get a buddy that understands how these systems work, to help you out.

 

http://www.islandnet.com/robb/marine.html

Seems very readable

 

well, might be but - I play the trumpet very well, yet after all theses years, I cannot sight read - But, when I hear the music while looking at the music - it comes easily.

I am hoping the same thing happens with the electrical - all I want to see is the pos and neg leads off the battery, how the fuse/panel all fit into the pattern. Thats all. Yes I just cant seem to find anything that simple.