Electrical re-fit centre console

[stuozfish]

Hi everybody

Since joining this forum I've been reading all the posts I can, so now I was hoping for some advice on my new project.

I've acquired a Southwind Longboat Centre Console (6.7m). It needs some TLC and I plan to totally re-wire all the electrics (after I do some fibreglass mods, but that's another post !)
The centre console space is fairly large plus under the overhead canopy is an aluminium overhead console box that is approx 600w x 150h x 500d.

While I'm in planning mode, I wanted to know if anybody can point me in the direction of tips & tricks when re-wiring a Centre Console boat?
eg.
Anything in terms of what brands and materials to use and where to place items?
How to run & terminate electrical cables?
Fusing?
Switching?
Bus Bars?
Cable sizes / types?

I'm a "do it right first time" sort of person and prefer to plan it all in advance. I have fairly strong understanding of 12v electrics

My list of electrical thoughts & circuits to re-wire are below;

ELECTRICAL - Considerations:

• Batteries (2x) location near transom or in console
• VHF & Fusion AM/FM - overhead locations?
• Alternator charging to 2x batteries ?
• Solar panel charging to batteries when stored? via a Anderson plug?
• Battery switch location? Access easily.
• Thru Hull transducer ? or relocate existing transducers so work when motoring?
• Deck wash pump?
• Overhead console - add front panel to seal & mount VHF, AM/FM, with hinge lift ?
• Switch Panel = waterproof & backlit. BlueSea Weatherdeck https://www.bluesea.com/. BEP?

Design new layout for Accessories / circuits:

1. 1x GPS unit & 1 x Fish Finder unit
2. 1x Fusion Stereo w/ 2x ext speakers
3. 1x VHF radio w/1x ext speaker
4. 1x LED Nav light set
5. 1x Anchor light
6. 1x LED flood light (front)
7. 1x LED flood light (rear)
8. 1x LED canopy light (front)
9. 1x LED canopy light (rear)
10. 1x set console floor lights (4x Led's)
11. 1x bilge pump (upper)
12. 1x bilge pump (lower)
13. 1x deck wash pump ?
14. USB port ?

Gauges:
1x RPM gauge
2x Fuel tank gaugesOR 1xFuel Flow monitor ?= Lowrance LMF-400 gauge $219 w/EP-60R flow sensor $200
1x Engine Trim gauge
1x Volt gauge


Thanks

Stu

[The Mad Cat]

I rewired a UB 580 a couple of years ago and if i did it again I would take the center console out so you can run all the necessary wiring in there without having to lay down and work upside down, it would have turned out a lot neater (for me anyway). I had to run new control cables and steering hoses so taking out the console would not have been a hassle.

TMC

[Noelm]

not too sure about the alternator charging business, and forget the trim gauge, and probably the volt gauge, not too keen on the through hull transducer either, but each to their own I guess.

[Crunchy]

Second taking the console out before starting, learn from mine and mad cats mistakes!

i used blueseas fuse panel and BEP VSR/switches and been all good. I have the twin batteries in the rear hatch to save space in the CC, no issues having them there and the other side set up as live tank. Pump doubles as live tank pump and throw valve to make it deck wash, works good and a must have IMO. Unless you a pimp forget all those gauges, std gauges all you need, setting trim is about feel not gauges. Most soumders and gps show voltage so kiss that one goodbye,