Specifications: Electrical System

The following section describes the electrical systems aboard the boat, how they operate, where they lead, and how not to get yourself in trouble. Please read this section over more than once. For wiring code information please refer to the color code diagram.

DC Electrical System

A 12 Volt DC electrical system is used throughout the J/42 for lighting and operation of pumps and various accessories. The J/42 is standard with two 105 Amp deep cycle gel-cell batteries located under the navigation table.

Electrical Panel: is built by Bass® and controls electric distribution with circuit breakers and switches. The main wiring harness runs from the back of this panel.
Mast Wiring Terminal Box: is located in the forward head on the bulkhead. A wiring harness exits the mast near the box, and is wired directly into the D.C. system through a terminal strip. Once this wiring is installed, test each function to insure proper operation.
Battery Switch: The battery switch located under the navigation table turns access to the battery ON or OFF to the main panel and engine. The standard J/42 is configured with one battery on each leg of the switch. In the event neither has sufficient charge to start the engine, turn the battery switch to “BOTH” to combine the power of the two batteries to get things operating. When the engine is running, the battery switch should be in the “both” position for both batteries to be charged.
Alternator: is attached to the engine and will create current only when the engine is running. The output is connected directly to the Battery switches to distribute the current to the batteries.
Accessories: such as navigation instruments, stereos, radars, GPS can be added to the electrical panel and the 12 VDC system. Extreme care and forethought is necessary for installation as these are sensitive instruments and require some measure of protection. Such work should be performed by a marine electrician. Be sure all sensitive accessories are not only grounded properly but that “fast blow” fuses are run off the panel for extra insurance against damage to their components.

Optional 110 Volt A.C. Shorepower System

The 110 volt AC shore power system is functional only when the boat is plugged into suitable power from shore. The cord provided as part of the operation has the standard end for 30 amperage service. Depending on the wiring in the facility, various adapters may be required to plug into the shore end. The boat end of the cord plugs into the inlet on the port cockpit coaming. Ensure the plug prongs match those on the inlet, insert and twist to lock it. Then screw down the outer ring to seal the cord from water and to prevent if from pulling out. The AC panel for shore power is located in the nav station.

AC Panel: indicates line voltage being received from the shore circuit with an indicator light. The line voltage will vary with the number of appliances operating on the same circuit. In large marinas there may be a large number of boats on the same circuit, causing fluctuations.
AC Normal/AC Reverse Polarity Light: The AC panel has a red light to show when the polarity is reversed. Care should be taken not to operate 110 AC systems on board with reverse polarity.

Galley Stove LPG System

Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) is the most common fuel used for boating and is available at most marinas in the U.S. The force 10 stove is of very high quality and is engineered for the marine environment in high-grade stainless steel. It is comparable to a home range.

The biggest difference is safety. While the home gas stove utilizes a petroleum gas which is lighter than air (it disperses easily if there is a leak), the propane stove utilizes a gas which is heavier than air, and thus, sinks to the bottom of enclosed compartments. All J/Boats equipped with LPG stoves utilize a safety system prescribed by ABYC and USCG guidelines. This includes an independently vented and sealed compartment for the tank, an electronic solenoid shut-off valve, a regulator, and a approved LPG hose.

Propane Tank: is located in a specially designed compartment to starboard in the stern which ventilates over the side to specifically eliminate the accumulation of dangerous gases.
Lpg Gauge: sits atop the tank to measure the amount of pressure left in the tank.
Solenoid Cap Valve: is located on the hose in the aft propane compartment. It electronically shuts-off the flow of gas at the tank. This valve is a “normally closed” valve; therefore electrical power must be provided so gas can flow to the stove.
Regulator: is located on the hose in the aft propane compartment. It is a screw down valve which regulates the flow of propane into the system.

Stove Operation

Check all burners (including oven) knobs are off.
Check manual valve on tank and open.
Ensure battery switch is on and 12 volt power available.
Turn on solenoid valve switch on electrical panel.
Open burner valve on stove slightly and light burner. Always apply flame or sparker to burner before opening valve.

When Cooking is Complete

Turn off solenoid valve switch on electrical panel first to shut-off supply of gas at the tank.
After flame of burner goes out, turn off knob for burner (this purges gas from lines).
Firmly close manual valve on tank — DO THIS EVERY TIME!!