Ppoped main circuit breaker?

[FiremistSLK]

While installing a new volt guage in my 2007 Chaparrel 214 I forgot to turn off the main battery switch! I touched the "signal" or hot wire going to gauge to the yellow ground wire. Now the entire electrical system on the boat is DEAD. Where is the main circuit breaker usually found on a small 22 foot boat?

 

[JimG]

Most likely on top of the motor... there will be a resetable breaker there. Similar to this:

Push the yellow flag back up inside. Older systems put a fuse right at the starter.

 

[Skybolt]

There should be a small round red button with a 50 stamped in it in white. Possibly located by the distributor, but definitely in sight on top of the engine.

 

[FiremistSLK]

Thanks guys... I found both of these breakers. Right where you both said they would would be... on top of the engine. The little yellow "RESET" bar was tripped so I reset it. And I oushed the red button on the other breaker. Still no power to the ignition switch, but all the accessory switches now work again (Bilge pump, Nav lights Water pressure pump, etc). There is a 10" square elec box under the instrument panel that has 15 labeled circuit breakers on it. The breakers all have a rubber boot over them so I can't see if they are popped.. So I pressed all of them very firmly to be sure they are all reset..... especally the one marked "ignition"! Still no power to the ignition switch. hmmmmm?? I used my multi meter to check for 12v up to the positive and negitive buss bars under the dash and as expected they have 12v to them. Can a circuit breaker fail like a blown fuse? If so I may have to remove the rubber cover from the ignition breaker and try to remove it to check it out. Thanks again...... JOHN

 

[Skybolt]

@FiremistSLK Dumb question, but is the engine in neutral? And does the engine know it is in neutral? But the neutral safety switch(s) in the shifter (possibly) but definitely on the engine could be engaged.

Those rubber boots around the breakers will just un-screw off. The breaker underneath usually will pop out when activated. And yes they do go bad.

 

[FiremistSLK]

There are no dumb questions. Everything and anything is possible. I know for sure the shifter lever is in neutural, because the engine was running immediately before I caused the short circuit. The kill switch on the shifter is also in the RUN position. I don't know about the neutral switch on the motor though. Right after I did this stupid thing (worked on an electrical system component without disconnecting the battery) all the gauges went out... none are working. Accessory switches are working. So tomorrow I will unscrew the rubber boot and check the ignition circuit breaker.