Kevin,

We have three AFI wiper motors on our boat wiring. We have three switches and three fuses for the motors but they are all connected to the same circuit breaker.

Two of the wipers do not work at all and the third will come on sometimes but won’t stay on. The circuit breaker light stays on and the fuses are not burned out.

Are the motors getting the right amperage or any idea of what the problem might be?

Maureen

Hi Maureen,

Each wiper motor will three wires: Ground, On, and Park. If you are missing any of these wires, your wiper will not function properly.

1. I would inspect the wiper motor grounds first. This is the only wire that all three motors have in common. The metal case AFI wiper motors are grounded to one of the motor housing bolts. The plastic case AFI motors have an internal ground.
2. Next, check for constant 12v power to the park terminal on each wiper motor.
3. Finally, check for switched 12v power to the On termianl on each wiper motor.

If all the wiring is correct, then you wiper motors may be dead. Before replacing, I would do one last bench test with separate leads to the wiper motor.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

I am currently beginning my first boat wiring project, a total rewire of a small Owens cruiser from the late ’60s.

Here’s my problem:

The old wiring runs behind the original paneling and headliner. I could try dismantling everything to remove and replace the wires, but am concerned about damaging any of the woodwork. It’s old. It’s gorgeous. It would be a bitch to replace.

I don’t mind leaving the old wiring in place and just running a new harness, but that still leaves the problem of installing the new wires without causing any damage.

Any ideas?

RP

Dear Ron,

Your problem was common with boat restoration projects – until the introduction of Harness in a Can.

Harness in a Can lets you spray pro-quality boat wiring into even the most hard to reach areas. Simply point, spray, and apply power. What could be easier?

And, it’s not just easy, it’s ABYC approved! Harness in a Can sprays out a harness with correct wire color and sizing – and with all of the connections that you need to get the job done fast.

If you order now, you will also receive a cap snaffler – absolutely free. Cap snafflers snaffle caps off any size jug, bottle or jar…and they really really work.

Call now to order. The toll free number is 877-277-3665. Operators are standing by. That’s 877-APR-FOOL.

Kevin.

Hello,

Please could you comment on the boat wiring diagram that I’ve drawn up.

It includes:

• Twin Verado outboards
• Shorepower
• Generator
• House batteries.

I’m currently trying to wire up a new boat here in Oman (no technical expertise available) and I’m really concerned about dangerous AC currents floating around the boat whilst my family swims.

Please could you have a look and give me your comments as I’m no expert at this?

I know that I’m missing an earth wire from the fused junction!

Any input from yourself will be most welcome.

Kind regards

Glyn

Hi Glyn,

Very nice diagram!

I have a few comments.

• Add circuit protection at the source of power for your 24 hour emergency bilge pumps fuse panel.
• Add circuit protection at the battery switch for your main DC distribution panel
• Your shore power ground (green) needs to run to your AC ground buss
• Your galvanic isolator is connected between your shore power inlet and the AC ground buss in the green wire

Also, I would consider not connecting the 3 bank inverter to all 3 banks. Instead,

1. Connect two legs to the house battery bank
2. Connect one leg to the port engine battery bank
3. Connect 0 legs to the starboard engine battery bank

This would allow you to completely drain your dc system with the inverter and still be able to start your starboard engine and charge the system through your automatic charge relay

As drawn, your boat’s AC electrical system should be shock proof.

Most marine AC problems occur when the DC ground is not connected to the AC ground. If you boat has an AC fault to a DC component, the common ground will allow the circuit protection on your AC distribution panel to trip and not energize the water below.

Please send me pictures of this project,

Kevin

Hello Kevin,

Thanks for your input.  I’ve updated the pdf (in case you want to use it)

I’ll take pics and send them to you. But, it might take a while as I’m in Oman and it’s a real struggle to source the various electrical components. Nevermind the marine grade wiring (at the local marina they have a bad habit of using domestic grade wiring).

That’s why I’ve elected to attempt all this myself.

Regards

Glyn

Kevin

I am not looking to anything fancy.

I need to wire 2 (1 driver side, 1 passenger side) AFI 1000 wiper motors to replace the two wiper motor (much smaller and cheaper looking) currently on my boat.

Unfortunately, I bought these motors used, in that they are no longer in the box, and do not have any wiring instructions. I’m sure you know this already, but there are 3 connection on the back, one ground…one that when I touch + to it runs the motor and one that when I touch it after running the motor goes to park mode.

I just don’t know how to wire these to a switch…should I have two switches, one for each motor, or one switch that operates both wipers?

Please help.

Dave

Dave,

Circuit protection is the main concern when adding wiper motors to your boat wiring setup. Each wiper motor needs to have its own. If not, you either have nuisance tripping due to not enough circuit protection or fires due to too much.

The best way to wire an AFI 1000 wiper motor is to have a 5 amp circuit breaker for each wiper motor. Run two wires from the load side of your circuit breaker. One goes to the switch and one goes to the park position on the wiper motor. Run a wire from your switch to the run position on the wiper motor.

If you have a dual pole switch, you can run both wiper motors off of the same switch. Internally, this switch is actually two switches. Wire this system using two circuit breakers and pay attention to not swap the wiper output wires.

Let me know if you need more information,

Kevin