Multiple blown fuses, 2008 240 Sundeck

[jebjam]

Took a 2008 240 Sundeck on a sea trial today planning to bring home a new to me boat. The vessel was stored indoors 2014 through 2015 but has been run this year a few times.
The entire bank of toggles on the left side of the helm were inoperable - horn, wiper, bilge pump and bilge blower. Further investigation revealed all were related to blown fuses, each worked when replaced (though the horn doesn't sound right, and needs further investigation), except the bilge blower which immediately blew again. The broker checked the blower and said birds had nested and the blower had seized, it will be replaced.

Replacing fuses is easy, but has anyone seen this situation where side by side toggles blow? Its possible the previous owner just never used the wiper or horn and didn't know, coincidence they're side by side on the helm (they aren't side by side in the fuse box and we couldn't determine any feed connecting any of them). I just wonder if anyone has seen this or if there's anything I should be checking further before pulling the trigger and taking ownership, once they are all operational again.

The boat is otherwise in remarkable condition, well cared for, so my concern is a hidden electrical issue that might be bigger than first glance.

 

[MancaveII]

Absolutely have it addressed before purchase. There is probably an issue in the keypad that controls all of the items you mentioned. Horns always go out and that's easily replaced as well.

 

[scoflaw]

I'd be more concerned how a bird lives in the bilge. More than likely it's a rodent nest, and you know what they do to wiring.

 

[BillK2632]

Hard to say why the fuses were blown, especially being stored that long - they do use a common ground. It shouldn't be too hard to trace out and check the wiring. Was something aftermarket added like a stereo or other equipment and maybe put on the same circuit? As far as the blower, I would not be concerned, I have had mud daubers build nests in mine over the winter essentially seizing up the blower and blowing the fuse - clean out the nests and all was fine.

 

[jebjam]

I'd be more concerned how a bird lives in the bilge. More than likely it's a rodent nest, and you know what they do to wiring.

Didn't think of that but the bilge is clean, the broker said there was a mud dauber's nest as BillK said, I was watching but not at the moment he got it apart and said he found the next.

 

[jebjam]

Absolutely have it addressed before purchase. There is probably an issue in the keypad that controls all of the items you mentioned. Horns always go out and that's easily replaced as well.

Thanks Mancave - and yes after I posted I read the issues with Sundeck horns so can do that myself if necessary. The owner is an older man and the boat has low hours, its possible the horn and wiper fuses went sometime in the past 8 years and he just never used either and never noticed - then the blower seized and went when we took it out. Definitely checking it out first, thanks for the idea.

 

[jebjam]

Hard to say why the fuses were blown, especially being stored that long - they do use a common ground. It shouldn't be too hard to trace out and check the wiring. Was something aftermarket added like a stereo or other equipment and maybe put on the same circuit? As far as the blower, I would not be concerned, I have had mud daubers build nests in mine over the winter essentially seizing up the blower and blowing the fuse - clean out the nests and all was fine.

Thanks sharing your blower experience Bill, exactly what the broker said happened. Nothing aftermarket added. I'm hoping this will be a quick replacement of fuses, blower and horn and everything will be smooth, I really like the boat. Happy to not be hearing any "oh-oh when all the fuses blow on these boats that means..." stories, actually!