My Westerbeke panel is located in the well of the cockpit, port side fwd. end, near the deck. I see this on many 365's and appears to be the factory location... the worst location imaginable. Instruments difficult to see, hands & knees position required to get at the key. A good sea into the cockpit and the panel is salt water soaked. Panel needs to be moved. Anyone out there in 365-land moved their panel? Where did you move it to? Cheers!
I didnt move mine, but the thing was falling apart due to sun damage
so I fitted a cheap chinese port light into the cockpit well backwards, that is to say it opens out, with a new panel made from ABS plastic attached inside
the inside has a new box cover attached onto the bulkhead
so at least the things waterproof
Looking things over this past weekend, am considering moving the engine panel to the cabin house in the area to port of the companionway... the area with the galley locker behind it. Looks to be enough space for the engine panel and the three Raymarine gauges. In that area gauges would be conveniently visible and out of most danger of being kicked or swamped. Would re-locate the engine alarm & the fuel gauge to same area. Westerbeke harness extension is $80.
You shouldn't need an extension harness. The stock harness is about 20 feet long. You will find it coiled up behind the sink cabinet.
I will add this though. That loom contains a lot of wires you are probably not using anymore. Like #8 wires for the ammeter? They are not tinned wire AND they are 40 years old. I would take this opportunity to run new wire from the guages directly to the engine and get rid of the stock harness as it is poorly made. I did so as I was tired of tracing bad grounds, corroded terminals and wiggling that disconnect block plug that has no reason to be there. Doesn't take much wiring skills.
Just my 2 cents.
yeah I didnt rewire mine and already there are regrets
but I knew I would be doing major rewiring of the boat and I figured Id do it then when I knew where it was all going
this because Im going to be working off local buses and needed a clearer mental picture, its a process
that said this is the panel from the rear
That's how mine looks now.