Electrical System rules

[Tigerlily]

I am curious about the intent of this rule.

A1.D.5. The electrical system must remain as supplied be the manufacturer.
*(note the mis-spelling of "be" is in the rules.")

1. Surely, one must be able to replace broken or non-functional cabin lights and wiring. I replaced the non-functioning light fixture in the galley with a flourescent fixture. I'm not sure that the broken light fixture was original in any case.

2. I just purchased my boat and some of the wiring was obviously non-standard. For example, the use of 4 conductor telephone hookup wire to supply 12 volts to the knotmeter/depthmeter with no fuse. Also some of the running light wiring has been replaced with sheathed two conductor cable. (The old wire was cut, still hooked up to the "running lights" switch and left dangling below the sole.)

3. My interpretation of the rules is that the original wiring "plan" must remain intact. Is there any limitation on what auxiliary equipment may be installed? I've installed a Garmin GPS chartplotter and Sonar which is connected to the "Misc" switch on the original? Perko switchplate. The boat came equipped with a Signet knotmeter and depth sounder.

3a. The original? Perko switchplate is damaged and "not pretty." Am I allowed to replace the switchplate with a modern, lighted, waterproof, switchplate of similar technical specifications?

4. I am currently using a handheld VHF radio. I plan on installing a fixed mount VHF radio. There is an antenna fixture at the top of the mast for the VHF antenna. Is there a rules limitation on where the VHF antenna may be mounted?

Under the rules, Allowable modifications include:
"A2.D. Interior

A2.D.1. The addition of any system to the standard electrical system.
A2.D.2. The addition of a second battery.
A2.D.3. The addition of any type of cabinetry."

5. I am planning on adding wind and solar power to the boat. Is there a limitation on the size of the secondary battery bank? I am planning on making the solar panels and wind generator removable, but I really don't want to load and unload heavy batteries for racing.

6. As a second battery is allowed, a Perko battery selection switch should/must be installed into the original "standard" electrical system. Is this allowed under the rules?

7. Can the weight of the second battery bank be applied as necessary additional ballast under the rules?

I'm not a racer YET but I may be persuaded and I want to plan ahead to allow for the minimum amount of re-configuration for a one class race.

I've already answered some of these questions by reading and re-reading the rules. I am interested in comments, however.
Thanks in advance.

[Dave Grover]

Welcome to the wonderful world of one design. First I let me say that the class rules have been helpful in maintaining a class of boats that have retained their value and are still in demand after 25 years. This due to keeping the boat close to the way it was built while allowing useful changes through a class member controlled process. The price paid for this is the class rules limiting modifications as you are well aware.

The intent of the the A2.D.1 rule is to allow add ons to the system. Many of the allowed modifications rules imply a philosphy of replacement with similar function or like kind equipment. Your interpretaton that the original electrical system plan rather than exact equipment, etc. is consistent with the application of these rules.
So, with the exception of including a second battery in the minimum required weight, (see 2.7.A. 2) the changes you describe should be permitted. Technically, under A2.E, any modifications should be passed on by the class Director of Rules. Replacement parts and substitutions have not been a problem in the past. Many substitutions of this sort have already been made so you should have no concern.

Dave Grover
Sec/Treas/Rules
dgrover@twmi.rr.com