Installing a Perko switch

[BobG]

My thought on mounting the switch is for it to be in a handy spot to get to, mine is with in arms reach when I am in the captains chair, that way after I sit down its easy to reach for starting and shut down.

That's a good idea. When I've got my camper on (and that is turning out to be MOST of the time) my switch is outside the canvas. Not the best configuration. If/when I re-do it, I'll also switch to the 12" Carlon enclosure. The learning just never ends in this game!

[OK Toon]

My thought on mounting the switch is for it to be in a handy spot to get to, mine is with in arms reach when I am in the captains chair, that way after I sit down its easy to reach for starting and shut down.

I like that idea too. But I would have to run it about 4' from the battery area.

[MH Hawker]

Its wire they sell it by the foot for that reason , snickers

[BobG]

Its wire they sell it by the foot for that reason , snickers

Hah, funny! If I put mine near the Captain's seat, I would need about 60 feet of heavy gauge wire. Not undoable, but not that pleasant, either!

OK, actually, if I mount the switch in the console, and the ACR, and associated stuff in a Carlon box by the batteries, I would only actually have to run three 2 AWG wires from the console to the back of the boat. This would look really good, put the power switch right by the ignition switch, and would be really useful.

Now I'm thinking about re-engineering the whole mess! Very interesting!!!

[tuned]

Just finishing mine up. ACR at rear with ACR control (small wire) at helm, allowing me to monitor and combine banks from forward. Two (2 ga.) main 'house' circuits coming forward with a Perko Dual Circuit ON/OFF switch at helm. Lots of electronics and heavy draws on these circuits that I can kill with just one switch. Motor stays hot at all times, hopefully no drains in that area.