My previous IOM had an RMG switch in the battery circuit. My new IOM doesn’t have an external switch. As I am rather reluctant to drill a hole in my new hull, so, is it worth fitting a switch or just open the pot lid to disconnect the battery.? Thanks.

Alan, the only boats I have had a switch on were those that had them when I purchased them.

All I have done on those where I want to connect the power in the pot is to use a short flying lead from the receiver for power so I don't have to disturd the reciever and it's aerials. By doing this I can velcro the receiver to the pot and align the aerials at the top of the pot or as required. I also normally insert a divider in the pot to keep the battery away from the receiver and also get the battery as low as possible in pot.

By using a flying lead it speeds up connection which is important in the rain. I have to say I don't very often turn off power between races as 1000mah LiFe battery will under normal conditions last 3 hours of sailing, just change the battery more often in gale or top end of each rig. Have used in bad conditions a 1600mah battery to ensure a full morning of racing without a battery change.

Thanks Eric, very useful…as there is an RMG winch fitted , the battery connects to that lead, not the receiver, so quite easy to plug in .

A straight plug connection is the easiest if you have a pot. Just make sure you “twitch” the rudder before launching to check you’ve plugged it in!

Thanks Darin…the switch is easy as you can switch power on/ off without opening the pot lid to, so between races or during breaks , just switch off. However, it does mean another hole in the hull.! I think for the meantime I will carry on just opening the pot and disconnecting the battery.. I may later, if I think it is necessary , fit a switch.

Incidentally, before I put the yacht in the water, I always do a couple of checks, twitch the rudder, as you say, and check the bung is in.!

Thanks for your reply..

Yep, a switch is handy, but I wouldn't rush to drill a hole either. And certainly not to fit a switch unless its fully waterproof (which the rmg one is). Certainly from the outside (obviously), but maybe from the inside too (condensation, long-term rot).

Just unplug a connector - simpler and cheaper and low risk. (An xt30 is less available than xt60, but is a nice compact size, with plenty of current capability).

My IOM - rmg290 - used 450mAh across 4hrs yesterday, without switching off.

Thanks Colin good advice. I have an RMG switch in my current IOM but it is mounted vertically by the mast and well protected. It hasn’t been a problem over the last 7 years but I can’t fit one in that position on my new yacht, it would have to be flat on the deck so not ideal.. I’ll use XT30 plugs for the time being.

In Nigel Barrow’s video about his Proteus build he says he uses a Pico switch operated by a magnet - so no holes in the hull! Don’t know any more details.

https://www.nigelbarrow.co.uk/post/a-bit-more-detail-on-the-proteus-design

Thanks Ditton, I think I’ve read about magnetic switches.! Definitely worth a look.