So my '96 Baja Islander came to me with various electrical issues from the previous owner who was a shade tree mechanic with the electrical skills of a monkey. I've found the hatch wouldn't work because he had the connections on the switch all over the place, the trim tabs produce a large "pop" through the stereo speakers even when the stereo is off, turning the blower motor switch on turns off the stereo, and I'm showing full continuity between the ground tabs and positive leads of the fuse block with the key in the off position although it's not popping the fuses.

The trim tabs seem to be rather slow as well.

Boat wiring is a fairly new adventure to me, so I just need to understand a few basics. From what I can tell at the switch board;

All of the switches are looped with one ground wire that connects all of the switches at the top tab.
Power comes into the switch on the middle tab.
The lower tab goes out to the accessory.

I did a quick search for an owner's manual/wiring diagram for this boat, but found nothing specific.

I'm slowly working my way through various issues starting with running a dedicated ground to the stereo equipment, but any info, wiring diagrams, etc will be greatly appreciated!

Wiring can be a nightmare, but I find it therapy. I've been wiring audio systems, fire trucks, limos, race cars and now boats for over 15 years now.

What you have to do is isolate each item. And start from scratch. A boat wiring diagram is available online with your basic colors for gauges, starter, power and ground.

Buy a good computer safe test light that can test power and ground. These will have a red led for power and green for ground. Test each system and trace wires.

If you were close I'd help you out. Take it one step at a time and you'll be fine.

Will do, thanks!

Keep us posted!!

Good luck!!

Just wondering if you got things figured out?

I've been focused on some motor issues, but the good news is by removing the electric fuel pump the previous owner put on some static has left the stereo system, lol.

One odd thing I noticed was with a certain rocker switch on the dash it dimly lights up the one next to it and humms through the stereo even though it doesn't operate anything.

Does anyone know where to get new Baja style switches?

There's a place on the web that sells labeled switches. Let me see if I can find it.

I dunno if these are what you're looking for, but here you go......

http://newwiremarine.com/product/roc...h-label-cover/