Relocation of battery switches

QT1

Active Member
Oct 20, 2016
644
Belair, MD
Boat Info
1990 350 Sundancer, "Quality Time II".
Engines
454 Mercruisers, performance parts modified by PO.
This may have been posted somewhere before, but I'm interested in relocation my battery switches from the ER to the helm somewhere. Anyone ever done this? Thanks.
 
May want to look into a latching solenoid. This would allow you to keep the ‘battery cables’ as-is, but remotely control the on/off function. Not recommending this particular brand/model - just a quick search found it. You would need to find one with the proper rated amperage. This is similar to the emergency parallel solenoid, except these lock on or off - and dont continuously draw power to remain engaged.

http://www.downwindmarine.com/Cole-...oid-Insulated-Continuous-Duty-p-91000042.html
 
May want to look into a latching solenoid. This would allow you to keep the ‘battery cables’ as-is, but remotely control the on/off function. Not recommending this particular brand/model - just a quick search found it. You would need to find one with the proper rated amperage. This is similar to the emergency parallel solenoid, except these lock on or off - and dont continuously draw power to remain engaged.

http://www.downwindmarine.com/Cole-...oid-Insulated-Continuous-Duty-p-91000042.html
Thanks Markrsimon. I will definitely look into this. Just would like a more convenient way to switch on the batteries besides pulling up the carpet and hatch.
 
Thanks Markrsimon. I will definitely look into this. Just would like a more convenient way to switch on the batteries besides pulling up the carpet and hatch.

Keep in mind you should limit your search to devices that are approved/certified as being ignition protected since these will be in the engine compartment.
 
Good call on the ignition protection.

Looking at the later model larger Searays, they have the same type of setup (latching solenoid) except the solenoid seems to be part of the main breaker panel panel in the salon.

Here is one that is marine ignition protected, and rated up to 500amps.

https://shop.pkys.com/Blue-Sea-7700-ML-Series-Solenoid-500-Amps-12V_p_1691.html

Curious - whats the reason/need for the easy on/off?
 
Like posters above, latching solenoid is a way to go. You can put remote on/off swith on helm, wlectrical panel etc. If you do wiring correctly you can have more than one remote switch. Using lathing solenoid minimize need for rewiring the boat and cost of heavy wires. Install solenoid in place of existing switch and wire remote switches.
 
Good call on the ignition protection.

Looking at the later model larger Searays, they have the same type of setup (latching solenoid) except the solenoid seems to be part of the main breaker panel panel in the salon.

Here is one that is marine ignition protected, and rated up to 500amps.

https://shop.pkys.com/Blue-Sea-7700-ML-Series-Solenoid-500-Amps-12V_p_1691.html

Curious - whats the reason/need for the easy on/off?
My boat has these Blue Sea solenoids for the batteries as well as for the generator, thrusters, etc. They are in the engine room and the switches are on a bulkhead panel topside. Makes it real easy to turn the batteries and other equipment on and off.

Here's an example of a panel from Blue Sea. I think they have a service where they will make up a panel of whatever size, with whatever kind of switches you want.

1147_install2.jpg

1147.jpg
 
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Good call on the ignition protection.

Looking at the later model larger Searays, they have the same type of setup (latching solenoid) except the solenoid seems to be part of the main breaker panel panel in the salon.

Here is one that is marine ignition protected, and rated up to 500amps.

https://shop.pkys.com/Blue-Sea-7700-ML-Series-Solenoid-500-Amps-12V_p_1691.html

Curious - whats the reason/need for the easy on/off?
I thought about it for my first Sea Ray, and now I don't like when I get on the boat if family is with me, stop, pull away the carpet turn on the battery power. I just think it would be more convenient to have it at the helm underneath.
 
Im assuming you have dock power and a newer battery charger? Most of us just leave the battery switches on. Is there something thats draining your batteries down - or just personal preference?
 
Keep in mind that there are things that are "switched" using disconnects or solenoids and things that are not (wired directly to the batteries).
Not Switched - bilge pumps, converter/charger, stereo memory, CO sensors, blowers, etc.
This diag is for my boat; Port is one battery bank and Stbd is another. The bottom ten rows of circuit breakers are NOT switched with the main disconnects. The photo below is the main disconnect J-box; you can see there are circuit breakers for the switched (large solenoids) and unswitched loads. Always be cautious that the engine alternators are part of the "Switched" loads and should you inadvertently turn off the solenoid while the engines are running you will most likely damage the alternators.
Tom

upload_2019-10-14_6-40-27.png

IMG_3193.JPG
 
Last edited:
Im assuming you have dock power and a newer battery charger? Most of us just leave the battery switches on. Is there something thats draining your batteries down - or just personal preference?
The whole reason for the upgrade again is to have switches near the Helm to turn the 2 battery switches on with lifting hatches to get to the bilge. Personal preference; I don't leave my battery switches on. The battery charger is the original and works fine. May change that out at a later date.
 

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