While developing the Nautique 216V wiring harness I thought of locating the battery switch close to the operator instead of buried back in the engine compartment. This location made for much easier access and promoted turning off the main power distribution when not in use and prevented many dead batteries by disconnecting the batteries from overly
elaborate battery draining audio systems.
I then also began relocating the bilge pump
only switch and related breakers. Before I
knew it most of the boats power distribution
relays and controls had been relocated. I
then began developing this vacuum formed
ABS plastic enclosure that evolved into an
auxiliary glove box.
This layout also allowed all the controls and
wiring for the dash to become uniform. This
simplified inventory and reduced cost and
increased reliability. Only the deck harness
would be model specific. All power and
communications were transferred through a
universal 128 pin Deutsch connector.