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Horn Relay / Battery disconnect

Your old Chris-Craft electrical system can be a challenge. If it runs on "juice" pose your questions and offer your advice here.

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Tom Gruenauer
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Horn Relay / Battery disconnect

Post by Tom Gruenauer » Fri Feb 08, 2019 3:53 pm

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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Bilge Rat
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Re: Horn Relay / Battery disconnect

Post by Bilge Rat » Mon Feb 11, 2019 9:03 am

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.
1966 Lyman Cruisette 25 foot "Serenity Now!"
1953 Chris Craft Sportsman 22 foot "Summerwind"

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maritimeclassics
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Re: Horn Relay / Battery disconnect

Post by maritimeclassics » Mon Feb 11, 2019 9:07 am

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.
Family member of Chris Craft founder
Owner of Maritime Classics
http://www.maritimeclassics.com
Ph# 231-486-6148

Restoration Projects:
1936 25' Gar Wood Custom
1947 Ventnor Hydroplane
1957 17' Deluxe Runabout
1948 25' Chris Craft Sportsman Twin
1959 19' Sliver Arrow Hull #75
1929 26' Chris Craft Custom Runabout
1937 25' Chris Craft Custom Runabout

Tom Gruenauer
Posts: 246
Joined: Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:47 pm
Contact:

Re: Horn Relay / Battery disconnect

Post by Tom Gruenauer » Mon Feb 11, 2019 11:26 am

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

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maritimeclassics
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Re: Horn Relay / Battery disconnect

Post by maritimeclassics » Mon Feb 11, 2019 11:36 am

Tom, good to hear from you. It sounds like your getting close. When can we see some photos?
Family member of Chris Craft founder
Owner of Maritime Classics
http://www.maritimeclassics.com
Ph# 231-486-6148

Restoration Projects:
1936 25' Gar Wood Custom
1947 Ventnor Hydroplane
1957 17' Deluxe Runabout
1948 25' Chris Craft Sportsman Twin
1959 19' Sliver Arrow Hull #75
1929 26' Chris Craft Custom Runabout
1937 25' Chris Craft Custom Runabout

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