Various articles covering frequently asked questions, informative bits of information, and even a spot of humor.
Our free tech support line is manned by a small team of sailors with decades of experience.
| 10210 Systems Parkway, Suite 390 Sacramento, CA 95827 |
|
| [email protected] | |
| 1-800-959-SAIL (7245) |
The factory did not maintain strict wire color coding. Color codes used were not the same across all models. Start with the diagrams in your owners manual but expect surprises. There is no limit to what the commissioning dealer and a series of owners may have done.
Most devices are simple 12 VDC with a positive wire (usually red) and a ground wire (usually black). Complex kits usually have detailed instructions and proper connectors. If it is something like a VHF radio or charger / inverter, refer to the original installation manual or find it online. You’ll find wiring diagrams online with many products and in Tech Articles.
No. In boats built in the 80's or earlier, wiring was usually bonded in place during construction. Newer boats often have PVC pipe "chases" bonded below the cabin liner for running behind or below the stove, for example. Except where there is an obvious chase, new wires must be run externally. Hide them bundled with existing wires up under the trim at the hull/deck joint or cover them for a seamanlike installation.
Some LED’s are polarity specific. Reversing the wire leads, or flipping a festoon style bulb end for end, should fix it.
Absolutely. They will outlast numerous standard bulbs and preserve your battery power by using as little as one tenth the energy as an incandescent bulb.
Spreader lights were never standard or optional equipment. Yours were added by a prior owner. Deck lights mounted on the front of the mast are better. Standing in the shadow of the mast, the skipper’s night vision is protected. Since spreader lights are in the skipper’s direct line-of-sight so they ruin her night vision.
The factory did not maintain strict wire color coding. Color codes used were not the same across all models. Start with the diagrams in your owners manual but expect surprises. There is no limit to what the commissioning dealer and a series of owners may have done.
Most devices are simple 12 VDC with a positive wire (usually red) and a ground wire (usually black). Complex kits usually have detailed instructions and proper connectors. If it is something like a VHF radio or charger / inverter, refer to the original installation manual or find it online. You’ll find wiring diagrams online with many products and in Tech Articles.
No. In boats built in the 80's or earlier, wiring was usually bonded in place during construction. Newer boats often have PVC pipe "chases" bonded below the cabin liner for running behind or below the stove, for example. Except where there is an obvious chase, new wires must be run externally. Hide them bundled with existing wires up under the trim at the hull/deck joint or cover them for a seamanlike installation.
Some LED’s are polarity specific. Reversing the wire leads, or flipping a festoon style bulb end for end, should fix it.
Absolutely. They will outlast numerous standard bulbs and preserve your battery power by using as little as one tenth the energy as an incandescent bulb.
Spreader lights were never standard or optional equipment. Yours were added by a prior owner. Deck lights mounted on the front of the mast are better. Standing in the shadow of the mast, the skipper’s night vision is protected. Since spreader lights are in the skipper’s direct line-of-sight so they ruin her night vision.
Catalina Direct is the largest supplier of Catalina Yacht parts in the country. We specialize in parts, custom up-grades, and accessories. Worldwide delivery available.
