SoCal La Paz Build

[DrBryanJ]

I'm ready to start my wiring. I have drawn my own diagram. I am bringing my diagram to the gathering for confirmation, but I think I have it figured out. My questions are mostly on wire size and fuse sizes. This site helped me understand things quite a bit.https://newboatbuilders.com/pages/electricity1.html

[mickfly]

I did my own wiring and it was among the most challenging parts of the build for me. I read a lot, asked a lot of questions, had my mechanic review my rough drawings and got great advice from the folks on the forum. I went with a very simple design--fuse panel and switches--and a minimal amount of electronics. Everything works.

I also bought the electrical plans from Glen-L. They were somewhat helpful for creating my overall plan, but my attempts to contact the Bayside marine folks (as suggested in the plans, for questions) were not met with a response. I moved on and used other resources. The plans did recommend I buy quality crimping and stripping tools. I did that and don't regret the extra expense. I also used top quality (Ancor, Blue Sea systems) wiring, connectors, and components. Gives me peace of mind, but time will tell.

[kens]

I went with a very simple design--fuse panel and switches--and a minimal amount of electronics. Everything works.

The plans did recommend I buy quality crimping and stripping tools. I did that and don't regret the extra expense. I also used top quality (Ancor, Blue Sea systems) wiring, connectors, and components.

These are very key points. Very key and very valid.
KISS method

[Jimbob]

The high quality crimping tool is important. They will hold the terminal while you insert the wire, and then double crimp. They ain't cheap but they are worth it.
Jim

[Jimbob]

These are good ones.
Jim

[TomB]

The blue tool in Jim's post is a wire stripper, maybe not as important as a good crimper, but a photo finish second. Best to have just the right length of bare wire held in a really strong crimp.

Tom

[LaPazBuild]

Thank you to all for the words of advice. I think we're starting to make sense of it all. What really threw me for a loop was how the alternator sends current back to the batteries. Spoke with a few friends who know more than me and feel much better about it.

As for hanging the outboard...Anybody out there have success doing so with an engine hoist? We have a Honda BF135 sitting in a garage, just waiting to be mounted. We also have vehicle lifts at our disposal as one of our friends owns a car shop. Can't wait to see that thing hanging off the back of this boat!

[DrBryanJ]

I used an engine hoist to move my outboard around. It isn't on the boat yet, but I do have it on a stand I made that is similar to the transom. I don't see any problem using one.

[LaPazBuild]

Ended up hiring out the motor hanging. Used an engine hoist to get the outboard in the bed of the truck and the pros used a large gantry to hang it for us. Very happy with the end result.

Installed electric trim tabs, hydraulic steering, and began to test electrical systems. Just waiting on a few loose ends to ship to us (throttle/shift cables and VHF) and we're ready to launch!

T-top canvas is just being held with zip ties as of now, please don't judge...

[mrintense]

I'll be having my motor installed by the dealer as well. If it were used, I might consider it myself, but with a new motor, well the warranty overrides any thing I might gain by doing it myself. It will also get me on the water sooner. Dealer install maybe a week including any waiting. Myself, probably 3 months. Plus the hassle factor of not being able to do it in my garage because the length exceeds the depth.

[LaPazBuild]

Launch Day!

While I’m not naive to the fact the boat will never be done, it is ready enough for use.

Got the boat wet today and put her through the paces. She popped right up on plane and rides like a dream. Foam filling the voids in the bilge area makes for a smooth and quiet ride.

All went well with the exception of the bait tank plumbing. Needed to tighten down a few hose clamps. Bilge stayed bone dry.

Here are a few pictures. Nice day on the water.

[hoodman]

Hey, congratulations on the launch! Glad everything went well and you are pleased with its performance. The boat looks great!

[kens]

Congrats !!

[Yeahyeah]

Nice work, Ryan! That's awesome you're in the water already! I'm quite a ways away still. Ran into a problem(s) which cost me about 6 months. I've been negligent with keeping up in this forum. I'll post some updates soon. Talking with tank fabricators soon. Enjoy! And more pics please!

[LaPazBuild]

Nice work, Ryan! That's awesome you're in the water already! I'm quite a ways away still. Ran into a problem(s) which cost me about 6 months. I've been negligent with keeping up in this forum. I'll post some updates soon. Talking with tank fabricators soon. Enjoy! And more pics please!

Thanks! We're stoked!!

Sorry to hear about your setback. I saw that you're right side up now! Congrats!! Good luck on the tank. If you need/want another fuel tank guy, we have a guy. He's all the way in San Diego, but he's good!

Unfortunately I'm a negligent camera owner, but here are a few more pictures. We've put a few rockfish (before the 1st of the year of course) and some sculpin. We're hoping the squid shows up at Catalina this winter so we can snag some Yellow and White Sea Bass. Once we have some proper gamefish on deck I'll be sure to shoot you photos!