Trojan Boat Forum

Hi folks. I just got a 36' flybridge, 1981, and i have few pretty basic questions if anyone has the time to answer them:
1. If I take the boat out and anchor for a few hours, can i run the cd palyer without worrying about draining the batteries? The boat has a generator. Would it be wise to turn it on? I'm always kinda paranoid about not having the battery power to turn over my engines when away from the dock.
2. What is the emergency start switch on the dashboard at the helm in the salon?
3. There are 3 black circular switches that send power to the 2 helms and boat systems. However, last time I was out, the throttle, gear shift and guages on the bridged worked fine, but other items on the bridge like windless, horn and gps had no power.? thanks

moveover wrote:Hi folks. I just got a 36' flybridge, 1981, and i have few pretty basic questions if anyone has the time to answer them:
1. If I take the boat out and anchor for a few hours, can i run the cd palyer without worrying about draining the batteries? The boat has a generator. Would it be wise to turn it on? I'm always kinda paranoid about not having the battery power to turn over my engines when away from the dock.
2. What is the emergency start switch on the dashboard at the helm in the salon?
3. There are 3 black circular switches that send power to the 2 helms and boat systems. However, last time I was out, the throttle, gear shift and guages on the bridged worked fine, but other items on the bridge like windless, horn and gps had no power.? thanks

We need more information.

1)
What is size of batteries?
Are you using a power amplifier?
2) That will connect both engine batteries together to start one engine.
3)Were all three turned on? If not then that was reason for no power to those items.

Yes Ready all 3 power switches were turned on. I dont understand why all the main controls would work, rpm guage, temp etc but not the ancillary ones like the windlass, gps and horn. I didnt think to try the radio to see if that worked.
Regarding the CD player system, it's not one of those massive after-market deals. No big amps.
Battery set-up - I'm afraid i dont know the specifics, # and size.

Be sure that your accessory switches are on...crazy wiring that a previous owner may have done. Turn every switch on to find out...and be sure to turn the two accessory switches on at the helm.

On mine, before I fixed it, the stereo wouldn't work unless the trim tab switch in the panel was on. Go figure!

"Accessory switch at the helm"? That may be my problem.
I dont recall seeing that switch. At the lower station there about 12 switches above the helm on the headliner but they all have names - bilge pump, blower, etc. I dont recall seeing any switch upstairs or down that says accessory switch.

Moveover:
Welcome to "previously enjoyed" boats. Expect anything cause nothing is logic. The owner did whatever for a reason you cannot fathom. He did something to cut a corner, too lazy, didn't know how, or wanted to be "thrifty".
If you're not well versed in electricity your best bet would probably buy a good marine electrical book, and read. As ready 123 said you cannot make any guesses about how long your power will last until you know and understand battery capacity and all your load demands.
If you can get a wiring diagram of your boat you will be days ahead, but you have to understand it.
You will find where to prior owner has changed something along the way. Re wired or spliced into another circuit causing back feed, or reversed wires somewhere. Sometimes you have to physically trace a wire to find the problem. Example: I just finished installing a "smart charger". After getting everthing put away I found the charger was off. I started to investigate, turned around, it was working. Fifteen minutes later it was off. Long story short, I traced the wire from the master circuit panel to the charger and found in a hiden compartment he had installed a charge mate which was sencing battery voltage and turning on and off the charger. My guess is the old charger lost it's ablity to regulate voltage and instead of replacing the charger he cheaped out and installed this device.
I have owned this boat for 2 years and am still finding surprises.
Anyhow, read, ask questions and get some electrical test equipment, and welcome to the learning curve.

I 've had mine for 5 years and still finding things

Thanks very much guys, I really appreciate it.

Where is your boat at ? if its near one of use mabe one off use could take a look to see it your turning on the right stuff.

I'm in CT, near greenwich,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,thanks for the interest.

Any F36 owners near bye willing to help Him ??

I don't know if the woodies were wired the same as the tupperware boats but i have the wiring diagram from mine on my photobucket page. look for "emer start"