before i too much more sailing i really need to get my stereo hooked up. installed the speakers already. 2 bose speakers i scored from one of those 800 buck ipod docks that was on the side of the road and 2 pioneers that i bought in a set with pioneer car stereo for 88 bucks. Installed one of these in the bluebird and it was awesome, so once i sold that i bought the same system and have added the Bose speakers.

In the bluebird i basically just hooked the stereo up directly to the battery and disconnected/connected it with a spring clamp at back of radio as there was no internal electrics. Worked well, however the new Tophat has an electric control panel controlling everything (bilge Pump, Cig Socket, cabin lights etc.)
Id really like to hook the stereo up properly to the control panel so that when the mains are off the stereo is off etc.
I know if i played around with it a bit id get it, but everytime i go to do it, i just go sailing instead - without music. But enoughs enough! it needs to be hooked up ASAP!!!!
Any advice on the best way to figure this out would be muchly appreciated. Thanks!

This link was posted in Shooting the Breeze. Thought it would be handy for us here.

www.rpc.com.au/pdf/Wire_Chart.pdf

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-12-GANG-LED-SWITCH-PANEL-WATERPROOF-SLIM-TOUCH-CONTROL-PANEL-BOAT-CARAVAN-/281109111827?pt=AU_Boat_Parts_Accessories&hash=item417368a413
I am considering using one of these wondered if any one thought they might be OK? very compact

Hi Ladies,
It's time to do a full rewire of the cat, including new switch panels.

Does anyone have experience with one of these, BEP battery monitor?
http://www.bepmarine.com/home-mainmenu-8/product-506/902v-dcsm-12-way-circuit-breaker-panel-with-digital-meter .

Basically an 8 way switch panel, for DC, includes + bus bars, and monitors 2 batteries. Once setup, it theoretically gives battery capacity remaining, as well as displaying normal DC V and current, all in a fairly tidy package.

Apart from being fairly $$$$, from the manual it may be an overkill. It has capacity to give warings on low battery, monitor tanks, bilge pumps etc.

Power is fairly precious, as I have limited charging. Scenario is 9.9 Hp with st alternator, twin deep cycle batts, 1 80W solar panel. No AC, no fridge but GPS, radio etc.

The attractive part about the BEP monitor was the ability to see remaining battery capacity,rather than just voltage.But I also subscribe to the KISS principle, and don't know if I really want/need something on the baot that needs firmware upgrades even.

thanks

what are the best and cheapest way to have on board power for things like fans, lights, radio, tv