Nav Lights on Single Switch ?

[barnakiel]

I do not know your rules but I like one fuse per every line.

Just in case something shorts and gets very, very hot ;-(

b.

[David M]

Keep it simple and therefore reliable by having one switch for the steaming light and one switch for the sidelights/sternlight. You are making unnecessary work and adding complexity by adding diodes or double throw switches.

Each switch will need its own fuse to be compliant.

[Ex-Calif]

I don't know the terminology for rotary switches but I think I would try a rotary switch before I add electronic bits that I may not be able to find in remote places. Double deck rotary switch?

I know OP has decided to go with diodes but I think this would work - no?

(fused appropriately, of course)

[David M]

Diodes can go bad...then what do you do? I have seen more diodes than switches go bad.

[Paul Elliott]

Ex-Calif, your rotary switch design will do the job.

David, In this application an appropriate diode should last just about forever. The only threat would be lightning, and I suppose that's a reasonable thing to worry about. Of course, the OP is using LED nav lights, and these are probably vulnerable as well. OK, a short at the light fixture, or a failed bulb could also stress the diode. Perhaps your worry isn't so far-fetched...

I personally prefer the lights to be on four separate switches (I've got circuit breakers): Tricolor, Anchor, Steaming, Deck-level Running. It just seems simpler, and I can light up my boat like a Christmas tree if I want to -- those five plus the spreader lights.

However, my new LED tricolor will switch between tri and anchor, depending on how I connect the pair of power leads: +/- = tri, -/+ = anchor. I had to build a little relay board to interface it to my existing breakers.

Finally, LED running lights can have a huge impact on your energy budget. If you don't have them, you might want to run the numbers.

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by Paul Elliott

I personally prefer the lights to be on four separate switches (I've got circuit breakers): Tricolor, Anchor, Steaming, Deck-level Running. It just seems simpler, and I can light up my boat like a Christmas tree if I want to -- those five plus the spreader lights.

I also like separate switches for the reason to have any option available including spreader lights and lighting up everything if I want to. It does create the risk of lighting up the wrong combination, especially when crew is sent to handle the lighting duties.

In confession mode here, my boat is wired with two switches. Anchor light and nav/steaming light. When under sail at night we are displaying the wrong lights. I just proceed as if I am under power anyway which is good sense in our crowded waterways.

The boat was wired this way when I bought it and the problem is the same, I don't have any extra switches. I think it is possible to never have enough switches on a boat - LOL...

[goboatingnow]

twenty posts on a switch and a diode???

You are making unnecessary work and adding complexity by adding diodes or double throw switches.

complexity???, well perhaps if you live in a cave!

dave

[rdempsey]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

twenty posts on a switch and a diode???

dave

Thats what makes this forum great! You get lots of different viewpoints and options, and can then pick one that
matches your needs, circumstances, pocketbook, locale, etc.