wiring up accessories on a T-Top July 19th, 2015, 04:29 PM
Hello. Hope someone can assist with this. I have a 2012 17ft. Mako Pro Skiff that I purchased from BassPro a couple of years ago. I recently purchased and installed a Stryker T-Top. I need to provide power to 3 lights and a VHF radio. I need guidance on how to properly wire up each accessory independently. I was thinking about running a single hot wire from the battery up through the t-top and into the electronic box. This wire would attach into a 4 Gang rocker switch. I would then connect each accessory to the switch. My only problem is that I want this to be a clean install. Meaning I'm a little hesitant in cutting a hole in my electronic box to install the rocker switch. BTW: I wanted to minimize the number of wires running through the t-top that's why I was looking at running only 1 hotwire. Please let me know if there is a better way to do this. This is driving me crazy.
Thanks.>>>>>
1 VHF and 3 lights? 15-20 Amp Max, much less, if were talking LEDS vs incandescent lighting, and more, if we're talking a spot light. Assuming I am correct with a max 15-20 AMP Draw;
1. Run 12 G tinned duplex wire from your box to the console.
2. The Hot wire should be connected to a switched power source, such as the "Common" post of your battery switch; or a fused bus bar or distribution panel in your system to the electronic box. DO NOT wire it directly you battery,
3. The ground wire should be connected to your ground bus bar, and not to the negative post on your battery.
4. Install a 4 switch panel with the appropriate size breakers; or a switch panel and a fuse panel in your electronics box.
5. There should be a main breaker or inline fuse (25 AMP) between your power source and your switch panel/breaker or fuse panel
If you need any guidance, feel free to email me (edit) or PM me. If you give up on it and are in our general area, bring the boat by and we can do this for you....easy peasy.
Best of luck with the install.
Capt. Allan
H20 Marine Customs