Installing ACR-100 Search Light on 1995 Sundancer 270

[dimnddavid]

I got a pretty good deal on a used ACR search light and am trying to intall it on my 95 Sundancer 270. The problem is that I have a much greater understanding of the mechanical aspects of this boat than the electrical aspects. This boat is a 12V system with a single 7.4L engine. I'm hoping that someone who is relatively familiar with the wiring on these boats can give me some advice on where exactly to power this light from. I've installed some small accessories in the past and powered them right from the ignition switch, but I don't want to do that for this light. Some people unfamiliar with Sea Rays have told me to go right to the battery, some to the battery switch, etc...

I figured I'd run the main cable from the light through the anchor locker and down the port side of the boat behind the interior trim pieces. Another question I have is how to remove some of the interior trim without damaging it, since I don't see any screws that are immediately apparent to me.

Any advice is highly appreciated!!

 

[GrandMaster]

I wouldnt go to the battery direct in case the light gets turned on accidently. Should always go downstream of the battery switch. You should have a 12V distribution panel somewhere that would be a good location to pick up the electricity from.

 

[dimnddavid]

Good advice Grand Master, I was concerned with the same thing regarding going direct to the battery. There is a fuse panel right at the helm underneath the steering wheel; is this what you're talking about when you say the 12V distribution panel? The only other electrical panel I'm aware of is in the galley which is for shore power. I'm going to go tinker on it for a little while now and will try to take a photo or two of the fuse panel at the helm and whatever else I see that might be useful. I bet our boats are fairly similiar in their wiring design; I'm glad you responded!

 

[dimnddavid]

It wants a 15A circuit by the way, if that bit of information helps...

 

[GrandMaster]

On my boat the main 12V distribution panel is behind the access door with the battery switches on the port side. Its a large black cabinet with multiple round, red pushbutton circuit breakers. It may or may not be in a similar location on a single engine 270.

 

[dimnddavid]

I did find the distribution panel, now I'm just trying to figure out how to feed power to the 15 amp breaker I'm adding. My first thought is to run a wire off of the battery switch and feed it from that. Is that a pretty sound plan, or do you have any better ideas?