My 1968 31 Commander has the original fuses and breaker box panel. I would like to convert this to a modern Blue Seas 30-amp breaker panel. The current fuses/panel is under the sink. Not a great place to mount a new panel. Suggestions on where a new panel might be conveniently mounted. I only want 110 volt power for a battery charger, a few outlets and refrigeration. (No hot water heater or A/C.) Thank you. Rick C.
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Good Morning Rick,
Great question. I have actually done this before on a 31. I will give insight for you to have less headaches in the future. Take what you like and leave the rest.
Any upgrade you do to the shore system (Or any DC system) on your boat will NEED to be done with a survey in mind while doing it. This just means that you will no longer be grandfathered into the code of 1968. Surveyors in the future, should you sell or need a new one for renewal (Which happens) will be scrutinized to modern ABYC codes and flagged if they don't. What does this entail? The list is lengthy.
All wire and connectors will need to be marine grade (Stranded copper that is tinned). Ancor is the brand we use.
It will all need to be anchored and dressed properly every 18" along the path.
All outlets will need to be GFCI, NO OUTLETS mounted in the engine room (Unless you are a diesel) and even some surveyors will question it.. (I hate those people)
All electrical panels and outlets will need to be relocated and nowhere near the water system. and Your choice of Blue Seas panel is a good one. One note, They have a "Build it" site on some of their products. This is ideal as you want different size breakers for each circuit, a Reverse Polarity indicator (needed) and if you want to go high end, Meters to monitor loads.
Take time to plan, brush up on ABYC standards (It's all available online at www.abycinc.org ) and you will be fine. It's a well needed upgrade, and most surveyors will flag the system anyway on a new purchase but state usually "Meets the code of the year mfg."
Hope this helps!
Lee
Thank you, Lee, That is very helpful. Maybe I will just stick with what CC built. I used a surveyor, and he wanted the entire system upgraded.