I’ve owned my 26C for 16 years and I guess it’s about time I got to know her. There’s a red switch In the lazarette on the starboard side located near the fuel gauge, blower switch and shut off switch (or plunger). Can anyone tell me what it is and what it does?
Mike Hoff
NS26C Evelyn May
Lake Tashmoo, Martha’s Vineyard
Could it be a circuit breaker? Do you have an electric windless?
Pat Furr
Bandolero NS26C #133
Rye, NH
I have a 26C and have never seen a switch like that in that location. Do you have a photo?
Mark Nerenhausen
N26C Penguin
Washington Island, WI
Morning Michael
Years ago I installed a switch on Single Malt in similar position as you describe - this to allow a powerful hand held spot light to be turned on approaching moorings or motoring at night during lobster season maybe something like that is what you have?
Safe Sailing
Single Malt 26C #207
Chester NS
If it has heavy wires on it, it’s for an electric motor or something to do with batteries. As someone said, send us a photo.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
Mike,
Does anything happen when you change the switch? Wear a helmet when you do if you have not already been ejected into Lake Tashmoo! 
Brian Cayer
Spirit~Wind
N30U 419
Westbrook, Ct
Another possibility is a switch to an auxiliary fuel pump - in line for - priming fuel filters - bleeding systems - Pushing fuel if the engine fuel pump fails. I use the pump through a fuel loop to polish my fuel too.
Steve Foose.
Jules Verne U 30
Green turtle cay. Abaco’s. Bahamas.
Pittsfield. Mass
Here are photos of the mystery switch. It only has the thin white wire you see. I assume it has two leads connected to the switch but I haven’t opened the box to see. It seems to run into the engine room but from there I couldn’t see where it goes. The boat has not had an electric windlass or a spotlight since 2008 when I purchased it. When I flip the switch there’s no sound, nothing happens and I’m not ejected into Lake Tashmoo. It’s a riddle wrapped in an enigma.
Mike Hoff
NS26 Evelyn May
Lake Tashmoo, MV.
Mike,
nice little box. Hand crafted by a P.O. for an important function they were trying to control is my take. Is there any way to follow the wire to its source? Take a smart kid for a sail and send them ferreting would be my suggestion.
Brian
Could it be a less then stellar install of a switch for the steaming light ?
I installed a panel in a similar location so I had the breakers for the blower, steaming light, bow/ speeder light, and the wash down pump. Without having to go below or leave the helm.
I know what that is and what it does!
n36#25 netherlands
Mike
time for a little detective work.
Martin
ZENO N30C #33
Toronto
Self-destruct button.
Sorry, Mike. If you don’t maintain your boat, having flipped that switch will cause it to fall apart within the next 50 years. You’ll need to get on top of the necessary work.
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233
Looking forward to seeing folks in Toronto:
https://nonsuch.org/2024-INA-International-Rendezvous-Status
I had one as a kid. One
flips the switch and it shakes and a hand comes out and pushes the switch off
How about a serious suggestion (much as I have enjoyed the others!)
On our 26, we have an additional switch on the panel with the fuel gauge and blower switch. It is the manual switch for the electric bilge pump, so one can turn the pump on (I guess) without getting your socks wet.
JohnS NS26C 046 lying Bath ON.
You need to follow the wires and see where they end up. They have to lead somewhere. Maybe contact the previous owner. My thinking it is a kill switch that prevents the turning on the engine to prevent the engine from starting. To prevent the boat being stolen. But, that is just a guess. I think contacting the previous owner is your quickest option to find out.
No idea what the switch is for, but would be a nice location for an engine room light switch.
Only on wire seems weird to me- I am far from electrically knowledgeable, but would expect a wire in with power and then wire out to whatever is being controlled.
lloyd herman
Rendezvous, 30U
Port Washington, NY
OK I think may have found the answer to the mystery switch. Upon further digging I found that the switch is connected to a 2 pin cord with a dual head plug typically used to connect a solar panel. Considering the dual heal plug and the location of the switch in the lazarette next to the plunger used to stop the engine, and just below the ignition switch, I think one of the former owners installed it to easily connect a solar panel to the batteries after stopping the engine and to disconnect the solar panel before turning the engine on. The switch made this possible to do from the helm. Not a bad idea, n’est ce pas?
Mike Hoff
NS26 Evelyn May
Lake Tashmoo, Martha’s Vineyard
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 1:06:32 PM UTC-4 Julie & Lloyd on Rendezvous wrote:
Mike,
I think solar is a great addition to any boat. Especially if kept at a mooring as Evelyn May is. I don’t remember if you had it way back when but I would recommend it as your next project if not.
Brian Cayer
Spirit~Wind
N30U 419
Westbrook,Ct
