I recently bought a Bavaria Cruiser 51 from 2016 and from the very beginning I've noticed an issue with the electrical system.
Some of the circuits (for example navigation instruments, radio/audio system, navigation lights) are difficult to switch on from the panel. When I press the switch, the indicator light only blinks instead of staying on. However, once the circuit finally switches on, it stays on without any further issues.
From my observations:
Sometimes it helps to press the switch multiple times (on/off).
Sometimes it helps to switch off other circuits and try to activate the problematic one first.
There doesn't seem to be a strict pattern, except that the problem occurs less frequently when the battery voltage is higher.
What I have tried so far:
Checked all fuses.
Pressed/reseated the relays.
Swapped relays between problematic and non-problematic circuits (the issue stays with the same circuits, regardless of relay).
Has anyone experienced a similar issue or has an idea what could be causing it?
Here's a short video showing the blinking:
👉 Video example: https://photos.app.goo.gl/NcgyVXypuM7WyZJA8
Hi Robert, in your movie there only seems to be an issue with your navigation lights? This is due to malfunctioning of the actual armature, poor connection of broken bulb...
Do you also encounter this blinking issue with other equipment?
On my Bavaria 41 I had an issue with the separate relais board. Due to corrosion, there were bad contacts on the relais board which caused problems. Did you have a look at that if there was any moist damage on this board? Usually on this type with seperated board, there is no issue with the Control panel itself...
Hi Happysailor,
Thanks for your reply. On the video, you only see the issue with the navigation lights, but the problem also occurs on other circuits – navigation instruments, FM radio, and sometimes cabin lights.
I recently replaced the panel with a new one (there were other issues with the tank level display), so you're right – it's not the panel itself.
Regarding the relays, I've tried removing them all and cleaning the contacts. I also swapped relays between problematic and non-problematic circuits, but the issue persists.
Do you have any other ideas what it could be? Does anyone have a wiring diagram for the electrical system?
Thanks in advance!
Could it be something on the negative side? Bad connection on the negative bus bar or on the battery lugs? Is there a shunt installed on the negative side?
There is Spanish version of what I think might be a helpful manual here: https://www.bavariayacht.org/forum/index.php?topic=1541.75
I need to spend some time and update the downloads section by harvesting all the good work people have done in getting these manuals and uploading them to us to make them easier to find.
Good luck with your challenge. Intermittent issues are always the hardest to diagnose.
Hi Robert,
On my relays board, there were by moist damaged elements. Unfortunately I can't upload the picture directly, but there was a corrosion run over the board at the position of the blade fuses which resulted in a dead panel in the end.It could be your panel is on its way out as it infrequently shows bad behavior.
As you noted, the control panel itself is very steady and only having switches and a canbus to the relays panel. Have a very close look at the relais panel if you see any signs of corrosion, to eliminate similar cause what I have experienced.
As the boat was far away at that time, I just bought the 2 boards via SVB24 to have them in hand and exchanged both.. it appeared the relais board to cause the problem and at a closer look I also noted why...
You can also contact Darko in Croatia, he has huge experience with these electronics and electrics: electronica.kurnata@gmail.com
https://www.kurnata.com