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Horn Relay / Battery disconnect

Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2019 3:53 pm
by Tom Gruenauer
Working on the electrical system on my 1928 CC 24' runabout. My boat did not come with a horn relay. I'm very concerned about safety. The original horn draws 25 ish amps. If I add the relay would it come under the safety issue in judging?
Also I have fond an vintage NOS all black battery disconnect. Same question about judging /safety.
CC had horn relays in 1935.
Thanks
Tom
Scan_08-02-2019.pdf
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Re: Horn Relay / Battery disconnect

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 9:03 am
by Bilge Rat
I can't answer about judging rules as to devices added for safety, but your concerns about the horn push button and associated connections being able to carry 25-ish amps are well founded. Even though the use of the horn is intermittent, the button contacts could become overwhelmed and weld closed, thereby constantly sounding the horn until you could disconnect it quickly. The horns draw an "in-rush" current when voltage is first applied which although momentary could be as much as 1 1/2 times normal operating current.

Any Chris Crafts that I have owned were 1950's vintage and had the horn relay.

Re: Horn Relay / Battery disconnect

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 9:07 am
by maritimeclassics
I would use one and put one in all of the boats I restore. If you don't one of the wires are going to be hot to the touch or burn through from being grounded out. How do you know that they started using them in 1935? I have seen them in boats from 1929-31 but maybe someone installed them after they were new. Judges would not take any points off because you used one.

Re: Horn Relay / Battery disconnect

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 11:26 am
by Tom Gruenauer
Thank you both for your reply. I will be using a relay.
Mike, I attached a scan to my original post from CC. I should have stated that CC used a relay in 1935 (not started to use).
Tom

Re: Horn Relay / Battery disconnect

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 11:36 am
by maritimeclassics
Tom, good to hear from you. It sounds like your getting close. When can we see some photos?