Working on my overly complex electrical without making it worse.

[Makr0]

I am looking for a little bit of Internet advice

I need to install a B&G T2 Ram It’s peak amperage is 50 Amps.

My boat electrical system is a little bit eclectic to say the least. The main electrical panel was moved midship into the salon as well as the batteries were moved under the starboard Sette. Power is fed to the after the boat through some small gauge wire that works out just enough to run the Sailing instruments and the radar There’s also a subpanel for some low-voltage lights and Fuel and water gauges.

I already have planned to remove the subpanel as I’ll be running The gauges back to my Cerbo GX.

I’m trying to decide whether I should just run a 1 gauge set Directly from the batteries To the aft Area where I can tie in all of my sailing instruments into a proper panel. Or should I still break off of the main panel? I’m trying to choose my work wisely as I would like to not make this electrical system any more special than it already is.

Any help is appreciated

[Frankly]

IMO any motor load of 50 amps should be on a dedicated circuit fed directly (properly overcurrent protected) from the battery/ switch. Even though the AP actuator is typically a variable speed system (my Raymarine has half fast and fast). Voltage drop issues will be minimized for all the associated instruments ect by separating them from the motor.


I have a dedicated pedestal sub panel but my AP current draw would just be a noise current compared to 50 amps.

Frankly

[d design]

Separate breaker for Autopilot and Instruments. Ideally on the same panel.

[krid2000]

Originally Posted by Makr0

I am looking for a little bit of Internet advice.

If you have to ask (and in this way), you're likely in over your head. Please ask a professional marine electrician to take a look at your boat's electrical system and give you advice. This is not an area where you want to take shortcuts.

Just my internet advice.
Dirk

[Ballsnall]

Originally Posted by Makr0

I’m trying to decide whether I should just run a 1 gauge set Directly from the batteries To the aft Area where I can tie in all of my sailing instruments into a proper panel. Or should I still break off of the main panel?

It really doesn't matter which you choose. You will probably find the answer when you assess the current cable sizes and loads. If the main panel can adequately handle the loads, tap off of its busbar if that's the shorter most convenient route. A single main battery cable is probably the simpler approach but either way is fine.

[Ballsnall]

Originally Posted by krid2000

If you have to ask (and in this way), you're likely in over your head. Please ask a professional marine electrician to take a look at your boat's electrical system and give you advice. This is not an area where you want to take shortcuts.

Just my internet advice.
Dirk

Yes, never get advice from the internet, whatever were we thinking having a forum where you can get advice from complete strangers on such a dangerous topic. Probably a good thing why all medical information is banned from the internet. Don't risk it, pay a professional.

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