Battery Switch in ER?.....WTH?

[LetsRock]

So I went out with a buddy last weekend on his 26' Maxum cruiser for the day. As we were packing up and about to pull anchor, he stated that he needed to access the ER to change his battery switch position for starting. I stated "you're kidding right?"......"they wouldn't really put the battery switch in the ER, would they?" :smt009 Well, at least on this Maxum they do. He had to move everything forward off the hatch, lift the manual hatch, climb in and turn the switch.

Is it actually common to have the battery switch located in the ER? :huh: What a PITA.

I do and it is a PITA!!

 

[ks65609]

My Sea Ray has them mounted there. I like them there, that way I can check things in the bilge before I start the boat.

Ken

Mine our mounted on the deck support immediately under the rear center hatch. Having them there is a none issue as I always check the bilge etc before heading out. On the hook I turn the port engine switch to off and set the other switch to 1 for the deep cycle house battery.

 

[Creekwood]

My last boat (a 95 campion) had the switch in the ER on the bulkhead under the hatch. The PO had installed a small circular "twist to open" sealed little hatch through the main hatch right in front of the switch. It made it simple to access the switch without opening the whole hatch. Simple solution to what I think is a design flaw on a few boats.

 

[rondds]

In 1989, during the "luxury tax" era, they cheaped out and put it under the cockpit hatch. Had to keep boats under $100K I guess.

 

[ks65609]

My last boat (a 95 campion) had the switch in the ER on the bulkhead under the hatch. The PO had installed a small circular "twist to open" sealed little hatch through the main hatch right in front of the switch. It made it simple to access the switch without opening the whole hatch. Simple solution to what I think is a design flaw on a few boats.

I am debating doing the exact same thing for access to the starboard engine dipstick. At the moment I can either lift up the center hatch which gives me perfect access to the port engine, or I can step down into the bilge and with a bit a twisting I can check both engines. Not a huge deal but I do like the idea of the small diameter access port. Would not look out of place either and simple to do. I check my engine oil every time before heading out.

 

[ks65609]

In 1989, during the "luxury tax" era, they cheaped out and put it under the cockpit hatch. Had to keep boats under $100K I guess.

Well Ron, I do agree. Including few areas in the engine bay where a couple of extra inches would make life a whole lot simpler.

 

[Lord Farringdon]

Having the switches in ER's or under hatches is a pain and positioning is sometimes not particularly well thought out. I suppose one consideration must be to keep the switches dry and that's why under deck solutions are used. But what about this above deck solution complete with protective door?