Hey all...

Last year my buddy and I purchased the above boat. It runs like a dream and is great to fish from. It has a Johnson 175 HP motor (2004) on it which is not the original motor (original was a 225 HP Mercury). It needs cosmetic work (seats and carpets need to be re-done) but my main concern is the electrical system. The previous owners cut into the wiring to rig up the Johnson engine and left the Mercury harness there wrapped up in tape. We have had some electical problems (minor, if there is such a thing when you're out on the water!!) with the boat, and my buddy seems to think that there may be shorts in the wiring from the engine swap out. We are planning on putting in some new Lowrance units front and back, but I don't want continued problems with the electric system. I asked at BPS if they could re-wire the boat and they said sure...but I am sure it would be long dollar!! has anyone here every re-wired their boat themselves?? Is it somehing best left to a professional, or is it a do it yourself job?? My buddy has some electical experience, but not on boats.

Any constructive help or advice would be appreciated!!

Alan (bassnajr)

Just what kind of electrical problems are you having?

Brief list:

1. Live well aeroater cuts on and off as well as the live well automatic fill switch. (This bothers me the most!)

2. Display on the dash...tachometer, horn...

3. Power to the Lowrance antenna. (external)

4. Lights front and back.

I'll think of more......

Do you have a main bus?  Check that and be sure that your main power supply is tightly secured.  I had similar problems with electrical cut outs and all it was was the main supply to the bus was loose and would cut in and out after hitting waves.

Does all of the other things you listed shut off and on like the aerator?  When do they start acting up?  The old wiring should not be the cause "IF" all the wires were capped off and not left open to touch things, check that.  Also check that everything is tightly connected, over time connectors and crimps may have come loose.  If you are not comfortable doing this by your self get it done by a professional.  It may cost lots now but in the long run could save some serious coin and maybe save your life.  

Thanks guys!!!

Keep the ideas and comments coming.

I am printing them up for my buddy and or the repair man!!

Alan (bassnajr)

Definatley a nice new Raker or Tempest Alan...

....as soon as you get the tach fixed......

Oh thanks Tin and a new prop!!! $$$$$  

First of all, a boat only 8 years old probably doesn't need to be completely rewired.  Not unless the Merc - Johnson changeover was done by a complete hack.

In fact, the first place I'd be looking is anything they might have messed with.  Both the throttle box harnesses along with where they integrate with the rest of the wires coming from the back of the boat.  Make sure no jury rigged wiring was done nor any temporary splicing into wiring that feeds other parts of the boat like lights or the main 12volt line going to the dash from the battery.  Check for any chaffed or cut wires.

Poke around under the dash.  If there was a change over of gauges or a rewiring that would be another place to look for loose wires potentially grounding out and creating a short.