Circuit Breaker Question

[mr steve wayne]

I have a 1988 Stratos Bass Boat, I lost all instruments on dashboard (no readings it as if they are all dead. I cannot find a fuse box but I am able to find #8 circuit breakers under the dash. The bolts attached to them a really rusty, but I could get them loosened with penetration oil. My question is this,
How do I know if any of them are bad?
And How can I test them?
Why my boat does not have a fuse box is strange for me. Any feedback is appreciated.
Thank You,
Steve

[shrew]

They do make 12V breakers. My boat uses 12v breakers rather than fuses.

Using a volt meter set to 12V DC:

-> Test the positive and ground at the battery

-> test positive and ground at the battery switch IN, then battery switch OUT.

-> test positive and ground at the battery switch OUT (with the switch ON).

-> Test the positive and ground going into the 12v panel.

-> test positive and ground coming out of the breaker (breaker ON).

[mr steve wayne]

I have tested like you said, and got very funny readings.
OK, I ordered new 12 v /8A breakers from Great Lakes Shippers to replace mine. Did not get them last week FedEx lost my package. These breakers are funny for me to understand. So here is my questions:

1. There is no reset button any where for these breakers, all I have by the switch is a small red light, is it supposed to come on when the breaker trips? or is it supposed to be on when the breaker is ok?
2. With not button that clicks out when breaker trips, do you replace the breaker every time it goes out?
3. I am thinking very strongly about changing over to a fuse panel. So would 12v/8A breaker be replaced with how amp fuse,10amp?
This novice thanks you for you very much for your knowledge and advice.
Mr Steve

[shrew]

Could you send a picture of what you have?

There are only two solutions; Breakers or Fuses. Breakers are resettable, fuses are not. At this point, it is not clear what you have or what style you have.

[mr steve wayne]

I played it safe and ordered new breakers. Put them in and everything is working fine. I do plan on converting them later in the fall to marine fuses.
Thank you for all of your advice.
Mr Steve