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

You should talk to Kurt at "Aquavolt". You'll find him advertised in Afloat magazine where he also writes technical articles on all things elelectric which to me is a mysterious black art practiced by cone heads. I have found him very helpfull and patient over the phone.

Charriot said..

Sorry to disappoint, but unles you have particular reason don't use touch panel.
They fail a lot, not fixable, change whole lot.
Recommend any switch panel with individual switches would be my option
It might look old fashion, but it is practical , considering you have to re- wire whole lot
to accommodate new set up and than a few years later, if you need to replace panel
Because a couple switches fail, the same panel might not be available, and you facing
second rewiring. Old fashion way, change faulty switch only and any further modification
even for non electrician is piece of.... I bet even I can guide you over Seabreeze

I am moving the switch panel from the previous owners location but what was worrying me is exactly what you said the touch panel
and the difficulty of repair.
I am also moving the combo Start and Battery panel which is mounted in the engine cover which is located behind the companion way steps so if at some stage you need to o excess the engine in this boat its nearly a two man job, one to hold the start panel while the other removes the engine cover away. This might be OK on a swing mooring but at sea no way. I will split the engine and battery panel and relocate both.
I'm a diesel fitter so its only a bit of time plus understanding this boat circuits will become part of me knowing exactly where every thing is located and all its circuits and circuit connections. Just like putting on a jumper it becomes part of you

keithw said..

Try The Cover Guys not as fancy but still looks good.
www.thecoverguys.com.au/default.html

Thanks

whiteout said..







Look at mine the breakers indicator panel lights up when activated good for night time use

Thanks Whiteout nice tidy wiring there
Ill take some photos of mine today and post them The previous owner was a scientist and has done reasonable job of the wring its just a basic home made ply wood switch panel rather large for a H28 and to me the engine panel is not in a good place I think on later model Walker H28 this panel was moved to a different location to make it easier to remove the engine cover
Cheers HG02

Tidy looking wiring but in a yacht or any boat where there is a possibility of moisture the wires should have loop downwards away from the terminal. Water will then drip off the bottom of the loop instead of running to the terminal. Just a tiny bit of extra cable required but may save you a lot of grief down the track.

what does the Buda do?

bubble7777 said..

HG02 said..

I would also like some info on setting up solar on this boat and what every one found resonable equipment

one hint is to set a reverse relay switch on your solar output then when the sun goes down it flicks on the anchor light. when the sun come up the reverse happens.

nice one Bubble

keithw said..

what does the Buda do?

good thoughts thank you all

Started cleaning out the main cabin and washing it down today and a few twin core wires bare not sure if there connected yet I have both batteries disconnected at the moment . While you have the engine cover off the start and battery Isolators are hanging off the bunk you can easily bump them if your not careful.
Just wondered did Bukh up grade there alternators mine appears to have a external rectifier didn't have a real long look . Ill check it out tomorrow

It might not look super tidy, but not a bad conditions at all.
Where are all switches?
It looks, when you switch off "house batteries " there are a few direct lines.
They normally go to auto-bilge, alarm, solar and etc. Are they fused?

Not sure how long going to be your beer coooool, but " Solid State Peltier Device " cooler
rated continues 3.8 Amps per hour, is a killer on the yacht.
That would be first thing, accidentally goes overboard.

This photo was taken a few weeks ago its a little more organized but you can see the switch board and the battery isolator and engine switch
Im not real keen on the engine and battery switches where they are as its a two person job to remove the engine panel one has to hold the engine switch panel while the other person removes the engine cover