Question/survey

[Dale Tanski]

After following the post of the Westerbeke that wouldn't start, it jogged a memory of something I wanted to do to my boat, install a engine room starter button.  How many of you have done that? Installed a starter button right in the engine area so you can jog or start the engine without climbing up into the cockpit to start it?  The jump the starter solenoid trick works just fine, but it does screw up the terminals and what ever tool you are using to make fire.  Installing a simple push button so you can start the engine while you are right in there is the perfect answer. Again, how many boats out there already have one?

Another item... last year I finally got around to installing some real nice light fixtures in the engine compartment. I stuck one one either side. Each has its own on/off switch.  What a difference! I can see again! If you haven't upgraded your engine compartment lighting it is well worth it and just might save your boat one day.

Dale

[PeteW]

Dale,

Not only do I have a starter push button, I have a Run/Kill  switch in series with the solenoid on the injector pump and the lift pump. Both switches are in the engine compartment.  Jogging the starter to find TDC on each cylinder without fear of the engine starting is a must  when adjusting valves. The kill switch also serves as an anti theft device as my keys are always in the ignition switch.  Pete

[SailingSeaDragon]

Dale,

You stole my New Year's resolution (I made it Sunday morning) to either add a starter button to the engine compartment or find a handheld starter button that I can use when to bleeding the engine... (bill of materials or pics?)

I really like the idea of adding lights on both sides of the engine compartment, any pictures?

Thank you,
Garner

[Dale Tanski]

Pete,
You are the man and way ahead of the rest of us apparently, but you do have that big diesel fetish thing going on.  The rest of us do not have a solenoid for the injector pump but that is a great idea as well. I eliminated the "keys" when I rewired.  I have a simple rubber covered pushbutton in the cockpit to start the engine.  I installed a water proof Blue Seas subpanel in the rear cockpit locker, and when that panel is powered down the power to the start button is shut off. That subpanel has the nav lights, steaming, bilge blower, compass light, windex light and both mizzen and main mast deck lights on it. The theory is you don't have to leave the cockpit to light up or down.

Garner,
My engine compartment is a bit different than the stock P365. I am sorry to say that I have much more access than you have.  I installed two surface mount lights I picked up at NAPA. Each has a pushbutton switch. I would scamper out to the boat barn to get you a picture but it is currently 18 degrees, very windy and snowing. 

Dale

[SailingSeaDragon]

Dale

Stay in - stay warm.

Thanks,
Garner

[S/V Deo Volente]

Well I feel fortunate that the Pilothouse came with an engine room light. I have thought about adding a couple others too. A caution though, make sure you don't forget to shut it off.
I did add a few surface mount lights in the cockpit lockers, in the cabinet under the sink in the galley and in the hanging locker.

[Dale Tanski]

When I rewired, I installed a loop to a separate breaker known as "Locker Lights".  Every accessible area has the ability to be lit off of this circuit which includes places like the engine area and ice box.  At the end of the day I switch that breaker off just to be sure. 

Adding the lights is not the problem, it is finding a place to mount the switch and the switch itself that turns them on and off when you open the hatch or locker door.  There is nothing better however when you open a locker in the dead of night and there is a light inside to assist you in finding what you want quickly.

Dale

[Dale Tanski]

I finally remember to check those engine room lights that I installed.  They are made by Truck-lite, say Signal Stat on them and the part number is - 549SWD

They have a self contained pushbutton switch and are very bright with a well dispersed light pattern by the lens.  The screws that hold the lens on may not be stainless but they are used on trucks/cars. Here is the best part, they only cost $12.29!

Here is a link - http://www.easternmarine.com/surface-mount-dome-utility-lamp-549swd

Dale

[SailingSeaDragon]

Dale,

Thank you for the information on the lights. Wiring is the theme for this year's winter projects (clean up and updates). I know I said this last year but I really, really mean it this year.

Garner