Guys,
I finished installing an anchor light today. After the mast went up again, I changed my battery selector from “off” to “2” and turned on the circuit breaker to see my new mod and nothing. None of the 4 circuits worked. What is strange is that the stuff that is connected directly to the battery works, like the vhf radio, stereo, and the electric bilge pump, but no running or cabin lights. Changing the switch to “1” or “all” made no difference. Two weeks ago I used the boat and everything was fine. What am I missing? I did not try to start the engine. Should I try to jump start the batteries? Even if something stayed on, how could it have drained both batteries if the switch was never on "both"
Any suggestion would be appreciated,
Sea Wind
Help needed with electric power failure
- Catigale
- Site Admin
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- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Admiral .............Catigale 2002X.......Lots of Harpoon Hobie 16 Skiffs....Island 17
- Contact:
Re: Help needed with electric power failure
Sounds like a flaky battery select switch? Check with voltmeter of course.
- dennisneal
- First Officer
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- Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2007 5:36 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Riverside, CA, '06 26M, 60HP Etec; Sailing out of Marina Del Rey
- opie
- Captain
- Posts: 895
- Joined: Tue Nov 16, 2004 5:40 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Wilmington, NC
Re: Help needed with electric power failure
At least on my X,the factory put a small in-line fuse near the battery to protect the lighting circuits.
(Pic from my X manual provided on this site under resources, page 22) You most likely blew yours up!

(Pic from my X manual provided on this site under resources, page 22) You most likely blew yours up!
- Sea Wind
- First Officer
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- Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:45 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Mayo, MD Suzuki DF90hp
Re: Help needed with electric power failure
Opie: you are the man! Problem fixed.
Thanks everyone.
Sea Wind
Thanks everyone.
Sea Wind
Re: Help needed with electric power failure
just blew my inline fuse this weekend as i changed bulb in masthead light and when connected deck wire base to mast blew all the lights. Lost interior lights and fuse panel went dark. No fuses blown in the fuse panel and Sure enough was INLINE FUSE TO POSITIVE SIDE OF BATTERY. Think it was 15 amp and they are avaialbe any auto supply store or Walmart etc. Replaced fuse good as new got main fuse panel back interior lights etc. Glad I thought of this before tearing everything apart. I have a 99 
