Rewiring my 88 Searay Laguna

C

Captain "L"

New Member
Oct 19, 2021
28
Boat Info
1988 Laguna
Engines
Yamaha 150
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I'm thinking go one switch at a time and run wire to appropriate device. I can do basic wiring but I'm not sure about those connections. Wish I could just wire straight to corresponding switch. Any suggestions appreciated. Im on vacation and would like to wire my led deck lights and spot lights but want to still enjoy fall fishing.
Anyone know the application of those switch names.
 
Spaghetti wiring is not unusual in older boats but very difficult to work with or to troubleshoot. Each P.O. has a go and the result is a hot mess. Those switches look random, like from a side-by-side? ... and the labels are meaningless. My suggestion would be, one at a time, to redo it all in an organized, orderly way. If the wire is too long, cut it back. If it's pulled tight, replace it. Use tie-wraps to keep the wiring tidy. Use labels. That's what I did, from a new, larger, marine distribution block. Any positive wire (except bilge pumps) should be appropriately fused at the block, run to the identified marine switch and then to the device. Negatives come back from the device to the negative bus bar at the block. Check for correct guages, tinned, multi-strand wire, good crimps and clean, tight terminal connections. You'll be fine because all of this is basic, 12 volt wiring.
 
Nothing really to add to what Juliery said - luckily he responded first so as to save my finger tips :) Just read through that a few times - labelling of wires is your friend - which could be as simple as masking tape. Pictures can help, too.

I'm not sure what this means: "Anyone know the application of those switch names."
 
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That looks like one of the cheap switch packages you can buy on ebay, etc. You may want to test each switch with an ohm meter to make sure they even work before spending a lot of time trying to trace out wiring.

-Kevin
 
KevinC said:
That looks like one of the cheap switch packages you can buy on ebay, etc. You may want to test each switch with an ohm meter to make sure they even work before spending a lot of time trying to trace out wiring.

-Kevin
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I wonder if it would be worth it for a boat that old to just maybe get upgraded board and start from scratch.
 
Looks like that whole panel is fed from one 12v supply wire (red one). That means any individual thing can knock the whole panel out... like something plugged into that "cigarette lighter" outlet. If that's a voltmeter and USB also on that line, those should be on a separate smaller fuse because I've had both those kind develop shorts internally and they could take the whole panel out too. Looks like all this stuff was added by a PO.

Looks like there is another panel below with separate breakers for each switch. Is that the OEM panel with all the "normal" lights and functions (nav, bilge, anchor, etc)?
 
When you replace switches, buy Carling, Blue Seas or equivalent marine grade. Buy cheap, automotive types and you'll be back to troubleshooting.
 
Any other input? I just brought the boat and I'm a new Captain. I understand basic wiring but not sure about those connectors. Wanted to clean it up and not just tap into a hot wire. I want a straight connection fron each switch line. Ild even appreciate a link for a deeper explanation. Would a new board be a reasonable or a beneficial option for a 88 Laguna. Would probably be easier and better functionality. All info and opinions appreciated.
 
Not sure but would I buy these type connectors to tap into switches? Would make things easy. I saw some boards are really reasonable.
 

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Start with fused, 30 amp wire from your battery switch or positive bus to this, before you get to a switch. Bring another 30 amp negative wire to the negative bus. Run a wire from the negative bus to the device. Stick on appropriate labels and insert correct fuses to suit the device.

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Captain "L" said:
Any other input? I just brought the boat and I'm a new Captain. I understand basic wiring but not sure about those connectors. Wanted to clean it up and not just tap into a hot wire. I want a straight connection fron each switch line. Ild even appreciate a link for a deeper explanation. Would a new board be a reasonable or a beneficial option for a 88 Laguna. Would probably be easier and better functionality. All info and opinions appreciated.
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What connectors are you referring to? The spade connectors in your link are the normal way of doing things. Still have an unanswered question in post #3 that may help explain things. But, yes, put a new fuse panel in like has been mentioned and get to wiring. You said you're comfortable with that - so get goin'! :)
 
Juliery said:
Start with fused, 30 amp wire from your battery switch or positive bus to this, before you get to a switch. Bring another 30 amp negative wire to the negative bus. Run a wire from the negative bus to the device. Stick on appropriate labels and insert correct fuses to suit the device.

View attachment 114092
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This is very helpful. I've also got a response and waiting for NEW WIRE MARINE. Anyone ever deal with them?
 
Lazy Daze said:
What connectors are you referring to? The spade connectors in your link are the normal way of doing things. Still have an unanswered question in post #3 that may help explain things. But, yes, put a new fuse panel in like has been mentioned and get to wiring. You said you're comfortable with that - so get goin'! :)
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I realize the labels are just for convenience and actually all of them are ones that I can work with. I'm excited about this project.
 
New Wire is good.

I'm still unsure what "labels" you're referring to, though?
 
I've been watching some videos and it really is straightforward. I'm going to start off with the fuse box and keep the switch panel. Maybe I'll draw a diagram to share. I'm hoping I can get it done before it gets too cold and I pull the boat out.
 
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