How to Install and Wire a Boat Switch Panel - Boston Whaler Restoration - Part 17

Watch how to install and wire a switch panel on this classic Boston Whaler 13 Restoration. As part of this, I also install a Faria tachometer and a relay to power the entire helm with a push of a button. I did this while the wood was still on the bench, making it easier to cut out the necessary holes. I use IP67 Waterproof connectors to wire in the lights and bullet connectors for the main power to the console.
Below are Affiliate Links to items I used in this video:
Switch Panel: amzn.to/3aRUSIa
Ratcheting Crimp Tool: amzn.to/31qRocR
Closed Barrel Crimp Tool: amzn.to/3jmm6Kn
Dorman Relay amzn.to/2FMkECC
Mini Horn: amzn.to/3hD1a1f
Push Button Switch: amzn.to/32kX2MD
Expandable Sleeve: amzn.to/32A0Iun
Terminal Blocks: amzn.to/3knL1Nx
Crimp Connectors: amzn.to/2CSaHlE
Bullet Connectors: amzn.to/31qgF6R
Link to Amphenol ATM Series IP67 Connectors: bit.ly/31tuZf3

[@teter129]

Just found this channel of Boston Whaler 13 awesomeness!

[@robertkahn4284]

Thanks for such a great video! It got me thinking and helped me to think of a few questions. As I read the comments I was happy to see that some others had similar questions and even happier to see that you answered them all!

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Thank you for the awesome comment I'm glad the video could help answer some of your questions!

[@Wilkuris]

You're doing a fantastic job, keep it up.

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Thank you very much!

[@pmdoit]

Nice... I've watched a lot of these videos and this is by far the cleanest and most serviceable wiring job I've seen. I really like the use of the waterproof connectors, most people skip the connectors and write everything direct. That's great if you never have to upgrade it service anything in the future. 👍👍👍 Good job👌

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate the positive feedback!

[@benharley6594]

Just placed my order for my switches after watching your video 👍 Hope my install looks as good as yours 👏👏👏

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

It should come out looking just fine!

[@k.johnson279]

@@ExtremeDIYGuy I don't know

[@Whaler1981]

The expandable fabric wire sleeves are excellent - I used the standard slit plastic tubes but the fabric looks better and appears to be more effective at limiting chafing - think I'll retrofit my wire runs to the panel, bilge and navigation lights. Thank you for that!

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

I was worried the sleeve would be to small in diameter but they went on just fine. I'm really please with the sleeves!

[@mekhifinn8888]

you all probably dont care at all but does anyone know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly lost the account password. I love any tips you can give me

[@codyjasper9691]

@Mekhi Finn instablaster :)

[@mekhifinn8888]

@Cody Jasper i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@mekhifinn8888]

@Cody Jasper It worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my account!

[@johnnyfavre1800]

You did a great job

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Thanks!

[@chrisfestervan6776]

Thank you for your help

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Happy to help

[@eddiemunster2196]

Great video I enjoyed it. I am also about to install, the same control panel. But you see, I am about to install my same, Nilight Control panel on a power wheelchair. Yes you heard me right. I am installing 4 different, LED Lights & a GPS & a, on board front & rear camera. At this time my control panel is still sitting in a 1/4 plywood template but I will get there. So, Jose, thanks for your video. And take care...

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

I admire your gumption! If you get a video of that I will post it on the channel. Would love to see how that comes out for you!

[@greggdsciotto8952]

Thank you!!

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Your welcome 👍

[@jsward871]

This is great and fascinating and thanks for the amazon links. I might be missing something but can you explain where the fuses are? also do you use a separate switch for bilge pump auto/manual if you have a bilge pump? Thanks

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

There are no fuses, this panel has built in circuit breakers. Although it wouldn't be a bad idea to add a fuse for the panel itself.

[@petertroost6606]

GREAT

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Thanks!

[@godslittleman5451]

Thanx Jose, is there any way I can keep my circuit breakers on my nilight switch panel from tripping off all the time? Made sure I wouldn’t need to draw more than 15 amps, I’m not sure why they are kicking off.

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

The first thing I would do is measure how much current is being drawn on that particular circuit. There may be a current leak to ground causing excess draw. Hope this helps!

[@jacobmellow5278]

Great video. Can you tell me what model the tachometer is? Love the blue but I anyone I find won’t tell me if it’s a blue backlight or not

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

It is a Faria Tach, I took the original bulb out and replaced it with a blue led.

[@bradleygarst9119]

I am looking to install a push button switch like you did to act as a master switch for my panel. Are you using it to switch the negative? I am assuming so since the switch probably can’t take the amperage of all the combined accessories it sends power to. Thanks and awesome job

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Hi, I'm actually switching the positive but it drives a relay rated at 30 amps. The relay powers the switch panel and accessories. Hope that helps!

[@ToddeSmith-oj1vd]

Hello! Verry nice work and install sir. I am also wanting to install a master power on/off switch like you've done here. I was wondering if you could list the switch and relay that you used? Also was wondering where you ordered them from. Thanks so much!

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

@@ToddeSmith-oj1vdHi, I have paid affiliate links to the items I used in the description. Thanks!

[@PyrateRumRunner]

Curious what wire you used for the battery connections.

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

12 gauge tinned marine wire for the house power

[@oneal94]

Jose - can you check the Terminal block link on Amazon? It points to the same link as the Expandable Sleeve. Thanks!!

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Thanks for catching that! I have corrected it.

[@PyrateRumRunner]

How is the switch panel holding up? I’ve used their switches before but only in dry environments.

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

So far so good!

[@johnsalisbury2704]

Hi Jose - great stuff! I've been following all your videos. I do need some help wiring the LED switch to the relay to the pos/neg bus. Can you dumb it down for me? I ordered the same LED switch and relay you did. I need something like "White wire goes to 87 on relay, etc". I tried doing it tonight but couldn't get the circuit to work and I know the switch panel is working fine. Thanks and awesome videos!!

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

See if this schematic helps, extremediy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Schematic.jpg?swcfpc=1, or go to the website article itself which might be a little more helpful. extremediy.org/how-to-boat-console-wiring-boston-whaler-restoration/, hope this helps!

[@lgallant]

Working on my 13' Whaler and getting ready to wire as well. How, with one battery did you isolate a power feed to that separate console switch from what is also connected to the motor/ignition. My battery has a big clamp post as well as a threaded post, but wouldn't they still be connected? Thx

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Hey Leo, they are not isolated. I just have a switch controlled relay to turn the whole console off when not in use. SO when everything is powered up they are on the same battery circuit.

[@lgallant]

@@ExtremeDIYGuy ahh, that makes sense, thx! Cheers from SC!

[@lgallant]

@@ExtremeDIYGuy Is the relay switch necessary or can you just have the push button switch between the battery and the console panel? What does the relay do? Thanks so much

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

@@lgallant I think it is, without the relay, everything on that panel would have current running through a single switch. I suppose you could do it with just a switch but it would have to have a pretty heavy current rating. The switch I used is rated for 5 amps and the relay is rated at 30. I don't think I would be using that much current even with everything turned on, probably 15-20 amps at the most but preferred not to take the risk of burning up the switch. If you are interested, I added a link to the relay in the description.

[@lgallant]

@@ExtremeDIYGuy That makes a lot of sense, appreciate the explanation! Sounds like a relay acts kind of like a solenoid? And the push button power switch acts like the ignition key in just providing the link to activate the relay to connect power to the switch panel? (I went with the same one you did) Last time I wired my Whaler, ended up with a short somewhere and drained the battery and had to be towed, haha. Trying to get it right this time and I think I will like having the switch panel somewhat separated from the motor and not having to have the key turned on. Thanks again, and thanks for the great videos!

[@clintonmclimore8370]

Does that rocker switch have built in fuses or overload is that why you didn’t run a fuse panel i bought same one and was wondering if i needed my fuse block or does rocker panel have its own

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Hi, yes, the rocker switch panel has built in breakers, those are the small round circles right over the rocker switch. If I remember correctly they are all 10amp.

[@choimdachoim9491]

You talk too much but I gave you a thumbs-up because you made me realize I can get momentary switches that match my new switch-panels that came with only on-off switches. Went to Amazon and got switches for my horn, trim-tabs and both bilge-pumps (so I can test the automatic pumps before launch.) ...wait...I need a 2-way momentary switch for the trim-tabs? More research, thanks to you.

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

You are the master of insulting someone while complimenting them. Thank you, I think lol.

[@choimdachoim9491]

@@ExtremeDIYGuy no insult intended, just my opinion. I'm replacing every wire and electrical device and guage on our 31 year old wellcraft cuddy and your video has been one of the most useful to me.

[@DavidRodriguez-qi2ci]

What is the middle rubber button for on the control panel

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

If your talking about the small rubber buttons just above the switched those are circuit breakers built in to the panel

[@highlander99999]

Ton travaille est toujours super bientôt tu vas sur l'eau pour une bonne peche

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

merci beaucoup

[@Earthinc22012]

Hello again Jose. I am wondering if you would maybe consult with me on my wiring? I am at the stage and am a little stuck. I have the bow and stern lights in with the wiring in the rub rail. I have the tcontrol panel installed. I’m a little confused but it maybe restoration fatigue..Lol. i want to ge the boat on the water in two weeks. CAn you help? Maybe a list of exactly what you have done.? Happy to send consult $ Thannks for everything!!

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Not sure where you need help but willing to give it a shot. The black (Neutral) wired coming from the lights should all go to the ground bus (neg on the battery). The red wires from the lights would be tied to the output of the switch, you would have to apply power (pos) to the switch terminals as well. Not sure if this helps or not. I do have a wiring diagram on the website that might be helpful. extremediy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Electrical.pdf

[@rgirl47]

where are you located, can i hire you to rewire boat?

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

I do this as a hobby, not a profession. Sorry.

[@amyrenee9165]

I wish somebody would actually show us how to do the wiring. Another video here that says, "how to wire," but yet he skips quickly through the whole part about the wiring. He's talking as if we know what all this is, and if somebody knows all this, they don't need a video... UGG! I give up!

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Sorry Amy, I am going to prepare a wiring diagram for the console. If I were to do a video on just wiring, what would you be looking for it to have? I may put one together but would love input on what content would be the most valuable,

[@amyrenee9165]

@@ExtremeDIYGuy I'm sorry if I sounded like a jerk. Im just frustrated. I just bought a boat and literally know nothing about wiring. I bought a rocker switch to add some party lights and phone chargers. I watched some videos last night. I don't think you can explain it to me in one video lol

[@ExtremeDIYGuy]

Here's some tips that might help. Remember that red (+) is the side that needs to be switched, there will probably be a + terminal strip or fuse block you can pick power off of. Run power to one side of the switch, the other side will go to the lights you want to control. You'll also want a ground wire for the light. There may be a terminal strip for the ground as well (-) black wiring. If the switch has a light option, you'll want to choose whether it is always on or if you want the switch light to come on when you turn the switch on. I prefer the latter. If you want the switch light to come on when the switch is turned on, you will need to jumper the switch output to the light terminal. Here's a page with some helpful information on boat wiring, section 4 onwards newwiremarine.com/how-to/wiring-a-boat/

[@abond28]

@@ExtremeDIYGuy Hi, Jose. I know you are probably onto many more great projects, but did you ever make a wiring diagram for the Whaler console? I've purchased the same relay and push button switch you linked to, but I'm having trouble figuring out exactly how the switch and relay terminals all get connected. Plus my push-button switch came with different colored wires than yours. Thanks much!