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Distribution Panel

I replaced the old the old DC distribution panel for no good reason other than that I wanted one more circuit (for a total of six). Using the existing mahogany frame, I cut a new platform from some extra laminate that was left over from the bulkhead project. I initially bought a Seafit 6-gang panel from West Marine. The lighted rocker switches were nice, but it turned out the fuse holders were total junk, and they would melt and pop when a load higher than a couple of amps was applied (the fuse wouldn't blow but the holder would melt.) Lesson: Never buy anything else with the Seafit (Sea-UNfit) name.

So I went to Radio Shack and bought six more substantial fuse holders (~$1.50 ea.). While I was there, I also bought a small voltmeter to mount on the panel under the the ignition and starter button. I fastened the new distribution panel on with pop rivets and made all the connections to the wiring harness. The result looks pretty good.

Shorepower

For a number of years our boat was on a "star dock" isolated in the middle of the harbor. That meant no water, and no power. But last year we moved to a slip on a walk-on dock which has 30amp shorepower. So, I decide it was time to equip Florentina for shorepower. The previous owner had put some half-assed AC system on the boat, so I upgraded (to at least 3/4-assed.)

First I ran wiring from under the poop deck into the engine compartment, where I place a duplex GFCI outlet. This outlet is for a battery charger/maintainer. I also use it for one of those small undercounter halogen lamps that shines down on the engine.

In compartment under the poop deck on the starboard side, I mounted a large fuse box with a shutoff lever which holds two 25amp fuses. Last, I mounted an inlet receptacle just above the starboard seat at the back of the cockpit.