Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by blindeman on 02/12/13 - 7:44 AM

Hi -- What I'm doing...

Wiring a new bow light in my 1974 13'. I installed new wood w/ the smaller, wood, right-steer console; same as original. Currently, I have nothing connected. The stern light is an LED battery light, so wiring it is not an issue/need there -- I just to wire the bow nav light and switch.

1. What Cole Hersee switch do I need? Single Pole? Switch model #?
2. Do I need a junction box? I removed the old one that was broken when I renovated the boat 2 years ago. If not, can I just wire the light to the switch and the switch then to the battery?
3. How do I do this? Does anyone have a wiring diagram? I'm a visual learner :)

If any of this exists for my application, feel free to send the link. I've searched but can't find anywhere. Forgot to mention... I've read Joe's info on this, but this isn't my exact application as described above: http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=51

HUGE thanks!!!

Bruce

Edited by blindeman on 02/12/13 - 7:55 AM

Posted by Joe Kriz on 02/12/13 - 10:42 AM

Bruce,

The switch in the article will work for all the Whalers.
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=51

See the Note at the bottom of the article.

It is basically a 3 position switch.
1. Off
2. First pull is Anchor
3. Second pull is Running lights

There are probably other switches that are similar but I don't know if you would really save much money as they aren't that expensive to begin with.

I would use a junction box just like original.

Posted by blindeman on 02/12/13 - 11:18 AM

Thanks, Joe. I do want to stick to a simple, on/off switch to just control the bow nav lights. Not worried about the cost. I've priced both types of switches and there's not much difference in price.

I'm just trying to keep this simple as I know absolutely nothing about wiring. Thus, why a very simple layman's diagram would be a huge help for me.

Thanks!

Posted by Joe Kriz on 02/12/13 - 11:27 AM

Here is the M-532 like in the article.
http://www.colehersee.com/home/item/c...142/M-532/

I am not sure if the M-531 will work.
http://www.colehersee.com/home/item/c...137/M-531/

Maybe someone else here can tell us more about the M-531

Wiring is simple on the switch once you know the terminals.
One wire from the stern light goes to one of the terminals.
One wire from the bow light goes to one of the other terminals.
One wire from the battery, which should have a fuse, goes to another terminal usually marked "B" for battery.

That's it.
Even a CaveMan can do it.... :)

Edited by Joe Kriz on 02/12/13 - 11:56 AM

Posted by blindeman on 02/12/13 - 12:11 PM

Cool. Thanks, Joe. I found this diagram. This looks like my application. Thoughts?

See the bottom of my personal page:

[url]http://www.whalercentral.com/infusions/personal_page/personal_page.php?a_page=view
[/url]

Edited by blindeman on 02/12/13 - 12:12 PM

Posted by Joe Kriz on 02/12/13 - 12:26 PM

OK. I think I see now.
You are not wiring up the stern light at all.
It has its own little battery?

I would still purchase the correct switch in case you ever decided to hook up a stern light. (or the next owner if you ever sell it)

The M-531 would work for you just like your diagram.
One wire from the battery to the switch. (fused)
The bow light wire to one of the terminals.

Posted by Tom W Clark on 02/12/13 - 1:02 PM

If all you want is an ON-OFF Cole-Hersee switch, you would select the M-482

http://www.colehersee.com/home/item/c...134/M-482/

But I agree with Joe, why not install the proper switch in case you upgrade later? In that case you would want the M-532

The M-531 in not applicable to small Whalers. It turns on A in the first position then turns on B in the second position, while turning A off.

The M-532 turns on A in the first position and then A & B in the second position.

A = Stern Light
B = Bow Light

Posted by Joe Kriz on 02/12/13 - 1:15 PM

Thanks Tom.

Good to know. I don't think I have used the M-531 so I wasn't sure how it worked.

M-532 it should be.

Bruce,
Still the same way to hook it up.
One wire from the battery to the switch, fused. (terminal "B")
And then one wire from your bow light to one of the terminals.
It is easy to find out which terminal with a test light or maybe the instructions that come with the switch.

Edited by Joe Kriz on 02/12/13 - 1:15 PM