27FC Helm refit

[DCatSea]

In my previously published honey-do list for Winter 2017 I listed removing Mazboot's helm station to see what was lurking behind it from POs, and to facilitate easier access to the rats-nest of previously installed, unlabeled and cut off wires behind the console, in an attempt to more fully understand what I have there, what I can chop out, and what I can do to get closer to an ABYC standard for wiring (I know, but its a dream).

Going to be making a start next week, but thought I better ask the AOG Oracle if anyone had done this before (kind of betting that's an affirmative), and if there were any tripwires (no pun intended) to avoid or issues I should be aware of before I start.

Regarding the other big job - engine mounts for my 4D61 - Brian at American Diesel has located 4, and Hugh Carrol at http://www.thermoboat.com/ offers an Australian alternative (Polyflex Mounts) at a reasonable cost inc. shipping.

All this means that by the time we launch in the Spring, Mazboot's electrical system should be less mysterious than in 2016, and she will hopefully be quieter.

Also, of course, we wish all Albineers a safe and happy 2017, with fair winds and not-to-lumpy seas.

[DCatSea]

OK - I've made a start on the helm station clean-up and rewire. Had to buy 2 new tools - a shaft puller and a set of metric allen keys (ball ended) because the wheel was solid on the Raytheon shaft. Liberal dosing with PB Blaster and a 5/16th socket on a long handle did the job. Next move - remove the dash and helm box.
More pix to follow.

[DougSea]

Hey Doug,

I posted this about my helm rebuild in a 28 a few years ago - viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3281

There are some links, pictures and discussions. May (or may not) spur some thinking for you as you embark or your project. Good luck!!

[DCatSea]

Doug

Thanks for the links. I love the picture of the "crazy guy with the router", and know just which planet he is coming from. "Hammer Major" is just a couple of parsecs from "Powertules".

As soon as I get the helm station off, or at least out of the way, I will publish pix of the hole behind it. Who knows, I may even find a PO or 2.

Doug

[Jeremyvmd]

Mine wasn't quite as extensive as dougs, but rearranging the dash was one of the better upgrades I have done. Much more user friendly. I do wish I had done more rewireing, but close inspection said it looks decent so I left it for now. Good luck with the project!

[DCatSea]

OK - now I have the helm station off and can see what needs to be done to make this cleaner, more accessible and probably safer.

1) Existing wiring is surprisingly sound; it needs new connectors, and removal of multiple tags, joins and old in-line glass fuses.
2) Labelling, labelling, labelling - first I have to find out what goes where, and remove or at least decipher, many excess wires that must have once done something.
3) Trace undefined circuits and update or remove as necessary.
4) Replace existing multiple older model small busses and glass fuses, with 2 modern busses (essential and non-essential circuits) and fuse panels.
5) Replace older model switches for wipers, running lights, horn.
6) Add new chart light and USB connections.
7) Replace inverter.

Here are the first 2 project pix.

Before:

IMG_3269.JPG

After initial clean up:

IMG_3273.JPG

Watch this space for updates.

Question: Can anyone tell me how to reorient pix?