Article by Pat Schrawder
PREPARING FOR AN EMERGENCY
If you have prepared your boat well for unexpected events, you will likely have stashed away somewhere a first aid kit to take care of any minor cuts, etc. But have you considered making up an electronics first aid kit? If not, it is a great thing to do and here are some suggestions for what might be included.
One of the most common occurrences with your marine electronic equipment is a blown fuse. How frustrating it can be to have something not even power on just because a fuse has blown and you don’t have any replacements. Changing a fuse is generally a very simple procedure so why not keep an assortment of them with you. Most fuses are common variety AGC glass fuses that come in varying amperages. I would suggest keeping two or three of the following sizes: 5, 10, 15, 20 and at least one 30 amp. If you want to take the time, obviously you can check all the items on your boat to see what type and size fuse they use.
If you have the manuals that came with the equipment, it will tell you. It’s a good thing to make a list of your equipment and the size fuse it uses. Store that along with the spare fuses.
Whatever you do, DO NOT roll up a little aluminum foil and use it to bridge the gap of a fuse unless you have absolutely no other choice. The “foil” fuse is a common “fix” that has been used but it is not a wise choice. You have to remember that the fuse is installed for the purpose of protecting equipment from further damage and using too large a size fuse or using that “foil fuse” that has unlimited amperage can allow current to flow and damage your equipment beyond reasonable repair. There are cases, however, when a fuse blows because it has fatigued or your system has caused a surge. In those instances, fuse replacement with the same size is the appropriate solution. Before changing a fuse, however, remove it from the holder and look to see if it is “blown”. In some cases, a small amount of corrosion on the fuse and/or its holder will cause the same effect as a blown fuse. This can be remedied by lightly sandpapering the holder and the ends of the fuse and then spraying it with an anti-corrosion chemical.
This brings up two more items for your electronics first aid kit. That is one sheet of finer grade sandpaper and the other is that spray can of anti-corrosion compound. Personally, I like CRC 2-26. It is much lighter than WD-40 and safer for use on more materials. You would be surprised how many places these two simple items can be used effectively.
Also obvious for your kit is an assortment of screwdrivers or, better yet, one of those that has changeable blades. The important thing here is to make sure you have included very small blades as electronic equipment typically uses smaller screws. They also often contain hex head screws so be sure to include one of those packs that has several choices of hex head driver blades. Along with those screwdrivers, you’ll want to include some pliers but they don’t need to be large ones at least for your electronics.
Another obvious item would be a miniature flashlight and replacement batteries. Getting into some of those small places where your electronics have been installed can be tedious at times, particularly if they have been flush mounted.
Standard items to be included would also be an assortment of terminal ends and/or “butt” connectors along with a set of crimpers to apply them. This will enable you to make a wire splice if needed or repair a prior connection that may have gone bad or simply pulled apart. I would keep at least one roll of electrical tape in my kit. Tape has multiple uses and makes a good temporary repair as well as providing insulation to keep wires or connections from touching each other. You can use house wiring “screw type” splicers but they are only good for a temporary fix as they allow corrosion to set in.
Over the years, manufacturers have developed wonderful new display screens that are much improved when it comes to glare and visibility in bright sunlight. However, they have a coating that can be destroyed if you clean it with conventional methods such as Windex or soap and water. They need to be wiped clean with a special micro fiber cloth. Many manufacturers will include one of these cloths with their equipment. If not, you can pick up one at the local automotive outlet. Definitely put it in your electronics first aid kit and use it often.
Assemble all of these items and put them in a plastic container that is stored in a very accessible place on your boat. It may sound like a lot of items, but it really doesn’t take up much space. Hopefully, you will not have to use most of them but the one time you do, you will be glad you had it on hand. And, of course, if you use any of the disposable items, make sure you replace them when you get back to the dock.
Pat Schrawder and her husband Larry are owners of L&L Marine Electronics on Golf Course Road in West Ocean City.
