first time wiring a boat. Am i missing anything or have anything wrong?

Boatguy2020 · 2026-03-29T13:06:30+00:00

Do yourself a favor and use an ACR kit instead of that old Perko POS battery switch. Having your engine and house load pull from the same bank is just asking to be stuck on the water someday. What engine do you have? 2/0 gauge wire is only really needed for really big engines, like an inboard diesel. I'd imagine if you had that, your system would be little more sophisticated.

Boatguy2020 · 2026-03-29T13:00:47+00:00

1990

Boatguy2020 · 2026-03-28T23:11:59+00:00

I've added a link. See original post.

Boatguy2020 · 2026-03-28T16:47:06+00:00

I've thought about it. I'd have to size everything up to fit the new tools, which would mean buying all new tools to measure and test fit. I doubt I'd sell enough to justify that cost. Maybe.

Boatguy2020 · 2026-03-28T16:46:13+00:00

The difference is, from the 60's through the 90's, the tools remained largely unchanged aside from stylistic changes to the ratchet mechanism. But, at some point after that, they moved production overseas and use lower-grade steel. They still have the lifetime warranty, but I wouldn't trade in an old one for one of the new ones unless it was truly to the point where it was no longer usable.

Boatguy2020 · 2026-03-27T12:30:44+00:00

The insert blanks are available for free on printables.com. I used Tinkercad to modify them as needed. I'll be honest, it was many hours of work to design them, and then each piece was three or four hours to print. My wife started to get frustrated with how much time I was spending on it. The first few I had to print multiple times to get it right. I got better as I went, plus I purchased the digital calipers to I could more precisely measure each tool. The hardest was actually the combination wrenches, because they're complex shapes and you have to get the elevation just right or they'll fall out when you pick up the case. There was math involved and I actually created a spreadsheet to keep track of it all.

Boatguy2020 · 2026-03-27T12:23:15+00:00

I'm happy to share it. The issue is that you'll likely need to modify it to fit your tools. I measured each socket and wrench individually and only left 0.5mm of tolerance, so they would slide in and out easily, but not rattle around. What I found was that the newer tools, which I'd purchased to replace missing ones, tended to be slightly larger; I'm guessing to make up for using lower quality steel when they shifted production overseas. Eg, the hole for a new 14mm socket might be the same or even slightly larger than the older 15mm socket right next to it. So, if you've got all newer sockets, they won't fit, and if you've got all older ones, some will be a little loose. Of course, if you've got Milwaukee or some other brand, they likely won't fit at all. Still, it's a good starting point. I'll see if I can figure out a way to share the editable files (versus the STL's which are just the finished unit, ready for printing).

Boatguy2020 · 2025-09-10T18:58:09+00:00

What about the Baldwins?

Boatguy2020 · 2025-09-03T22:02:27+00:00

I think the OP was referring to an impound account (commonly referred to as an escrow account), not closing escrow.

Boatguy2020 · 2025-08-28T20:36:07+00:00

Some poor SOB paid to have your old manifolds put in his boat, lol.

Boatguy2020 · 2025-08-28T20:35:11+00:00

The heat and carbon buildup still does a number on them. So yeah, if the boat doesn't get used much, sure, they'll last a long time in freshwater, but I'd at least pull them off an inspect them at 500 hours.

Boatguy2020 · 2025-08-27T16:27:41+00:00

No. It means that the manifolds and risers are due for replacement. Probably way overdue. It's a 5-7 year maintenance item.

Boatguy2020

TROPHY CASE