56 Ocean Battery Switches

I believe that Ocean used solenoids to disconnect the batteries. Aren't there what look to be a main breaker for each battery bank on the main electrical panel? Those usually shut the solenoids off which are about the size of a soda can and a goldish metal and mounted on the forward E.R. bulkhead. These cut power from the batteries.

They should cut power from the batteries (like a battery switch), via a solenoid usually mounted on the front bulkhead of the engine room. Most of the European builders do it similarly and don't have rotary battery switches. Ocean did it this way on all of the Ocean's I've been on or managed.

Well, those are some of the differences in the build quality between an Ocean and a Hatteras, Viking, etc. But that lead should go to a solenoid, not straight from the battery to the starter. You can install perko battery switches.

I don't know if the solenoids were removed on my boat but on my 2000 43' Ocean there were no master disconnects. Part of the reason fro the major battery compartment rewire I did. There was a small solenoid (not operable) to emergency parallel the start and house banks but no master disconnect. Used to drive me crazy come haul out as I'd have to manually disconnect the battery terminals to prevent the batteries from being drained over the winter. Below is the panel I built and wired two winters ago.