Archive for the ‘Boat Battery Wiring’ Category

Manitou Pontoon Boat Wiring

June 10th, 2013 by Kevin Hannula

Kevin,

I am working on a 2005 22" Manitou Osprey Pro. Is there any source for obtaining a boat wiring diagram for this pontoon?

I just recently purchased this and have been trying to fix some electrical issues. Some are relatively straightforward.

Manitou Pontoon Boat

The pontoon's stereo speaker color codes matched the vendors color codes directly, but the stereo's power hookup did not - both yellow and red leads from the stereo were tied to a the pontoon's solid red wire. There was also a red wire with a yellow tracer in the same (stereo) wiring bundle of the pontoon but it was just clipped. Is one of the these a direct battery connection and the other one an on/accessory connection? The stereo wiring diagram shows two positive connections one labeled battery and the other labeled ignition - I don't want the stereo on all the time. The sun has faded all the indications of position for the ignition switch and all the switch/breaker functions. I don't even know if the ignition switch has an accessory function/position.

I don't know if the 5 function switch panel is a standard wiring. Is there a standard layout for the switches? Since the stereo speakers and power seem to follow the standard color codes for front -rear and power, is it safe to assume all the lights, horn and other accessories follow some standard of wiring? If so what are those standards and where can I find a standard schematic or wiring diagram for those standards?

I can't wait to get out fishing on this pontoon - it has an installation for a trolling motor battery in the console with direct wiring to an outlet mounted at the bow for the trolling motor (no battery installed yet) - there doesn't seem like a way to charge this battery from the engine's alternator/charger. Is there a way to connect this battery to the the engine's alternator but not allow the trolling motor battery to try to start the main engine? I don't what to run the higher gauge wiring for that. I just want to use the trolling motor battery for the trolling motor and accessories when the main engine is not running if that is possible.

I would like to develop a wiring diagram for this pontoon but I would hate to have to start from scratch and trace out the circuits by trail and error.

Any help would be really appreciated.

Hi,

It sounds like a previous owner was doing some wiring modifications. We know the Manitou crew very well, and it is not like them to have hidden wires clipped off in their harnesses.

The key switch accessory position question is based on the brand of the engine on your boat. The easiest way to tell is to turn the key switch. It will either have 3 positions (OFF-ON-START) or 4 position (ACC-OFF-ON-START). If the key has an accessory position, it will have an A or ACC on a tab on back of the key.

There is not a standard layout for the switches on your helm. I would consider calling Manitou in Lansing MI to see if they have replacement panels for your boat that would have the proper labeling for the panels.

Here is the common boat wiring color code used by most OEM boat builders, including Manitou. You should be able to use this to trace down any wires on the boat.

If you want to charge the trolling motor battery while the engine is running, you will need to run some larger wires between the starting battery and the trolling motor battery. This wire size is based on the size of the alternator on your engine. Most VSR smart battery switch systems are capable of handling 125+ amps but the limit is the size of your alternator. If you alternator is less than 20 amp, the VSR is almost a waste of money. You will need to run your outboard at full alternator output for nearly 3 hours to replace what the trolling motor can draw in less than 1 hour.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Posted in Batteries, Battery Management, Boat Battery Wiring, Boat Lighting, Boat Wiring, Ignition Switch, Marine Battery Switch, Marine Electrical, Marine Engines, Marine Wiring, Navigation Lights, Panel Rewire, Pontoons, Power Boats, Trolling Motors, VSR | Comments Off

Sled Boat Wiring

June 3rd, 2013 by Kevin Hannula

Hello,

I have a basic 16.5 aluminum open river sled with a single engine. Currently the motor runs off one 12v battery with a manual bilge pump switch hooked up.

Koffler River Boat

I would like to add a second battery for:

  • Electric trolling motor
  • Navigation lights, to be installed
  • Bilge pump to this battery
  • Fish finder
In addition I would like to add a 12 volt two bank marine electrical boat battery charger for both batteries. I will add a 6 position fuse panel to the mix.

My questions or concerns:

Any interaction between the 12vdc system and the 120v battery charger to insure that I don’t get a ground fault. Would adding a battery switch assist with this potential problem or will a bus bar be necessary?

Thank you for any input,

Hi,

Since your system is 12 volt only, I would connect all of your grounds together, including your batteries, at a common bus.

You will only trip a ground fault outlet if there is a fault from ac hot to boat ground and the boat is connected to earth ground.

If this happens it will not matter if you have a battery switch or not.

Hope this helps.

Kevin

Posted in Batteries, Bilge Pump, Boat Battery Wiring, Boat Wiring, Bus Bar, Marine Electrical, Navigation Lights, Trolling Motors | Comments Off

Crestliner Wiring Upgrade

March 26th, 2013 by Kevin Hannula

Kevin,

Could you please check out my homemade boat wiring diagram? It’s for my 17.5′ Crestliner Fish Hawk.

As you can see, I added and wired the two Attwood battery selector switches and a fourth battery to the system (Battery 2) and wired all the batteries in parallel. I also added the Blue Seas fuse block, all lighting, fishfinder, trolling motor, etc.

Crestliner boat wiring diagram

Click to Enlarge

My goal here is to be able to run the trolling motor off the extra battery if needed and/or to be able to start the motor with the extra battery if the main died. Also, to run all the lights off the extra battery for night fishing. I’ve yet to turn both switches to “both” because I’m not sure if that would be bad for……..everything.

I’m obviously an amateur at this so was wondering if you think it’s a safe setup assuming all the fuses, connections, wire gauge, etc. are kosher? I haven’t had any trouble yet but I’m a little nervous about burning something up.

I’d really appreciate your input if you can decipher the wiring diagram.

Thanks,

S.D.

Hi,

I would make a couple of minor changes:

  • Move the trolling motor circuit protection to the trolling motor side of the switch.
  • Add circuit protection for the Blue Seas fuse panel at its connection location to the boat battery switch.
  • Use the same size boat battery cables for all of your battery link wires. You call out 4/0 for the positive lead (I would assume you mean 4 AWG) but not on any of the other cables.
  • If the trolling motor batteries are near the bow of the boat I would consider adding circuit protection at each end of this wire to help reduce the risk of a catastrophic fault.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Kevin,

Thanks for the help Kevin. I’ll do all of that.

Also, I was wrong about the battery cable being 4/0, its actually 1/0 welding cable.
Thanks again,

S.D.

Hi,

Most people don’t use welding cable on boats or cars because it is not oil resistant.

Kevin

Posted in Batteries, Battery Management, Bilge Pump, Boat Battery Switches, Boat Battery Wiring, Boat Wiring, Bus Bar, Circuit Protection, Corrosion, Marine Electrical, Marine Wiring, Navigation Lights, Power Boats, Trolling Motors, Wire Size | Comments Off

Kayak Power

February 20th, 2013 by Kevin Hannula

Hey Kevin,Motorguide trolling motor

Your site is amazing. Thanks for all the info.

Now here is my boat wiring question:

We have a Native 14.5 ft Kayak. It only weighs 75 pounds and wish to power it with a 12 volt Motorguide trolling motor on some of the quieter lakes for fishing.

What are the battery options? Will a 24 volt with 93 amp hours work? And for how long? From reading your posts I learned we need a better charger than the 25 year old trickle charger we have, any gems you recommend?

Thanks again.

Hi,

Most of the time, you don’t want to discharge a boat battery below 50%, so you are only going to use 46 of the 93 amp hours available in the battery. The small, 30 lb thrust trolling motors draw about 30 amps at full power. At wide open, you can expect the battery to last about 1.5 hours. A 5 amp charger would take about 9 hours to recharge the battery after use.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Posted in Batteries, Battery Chargers, Battery Management, Boat Battery Wiring, Trolling Motors | Comments Off

Bigger Better?

September 20th, 2012 by Kevin Hannula

Dear Kevin,

I have a Marinco 12-24/24-36 plug and receptacle installed on my boat for my trolling motor.

I have switched from a 24 volt system to a 36 volt system and noted that two of the four prongs on the male plug are larger than the other two. Marinco trolling motor plug

The trolling motor uses two wires (black and red) for power from the batteries. Should these wires be installed on the two larger prongs, since the 36 volt system will be drawing more current than the 24 volt system. The prongs are labled A+, B+, neg, and NET on the back of the plug.

Thank you for your time.

Arthur

Hi Arthur,

I would use the larger terminals in the plug for your new trolling motor. They have more contact area and will be less likely to get hot during heavy operation.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Thanks Kevin.

That was my thoughts. Nice to have your take.

Arthur

Posted in Batteries, Battery Management, Boat Battery Wiring, Boat Wiring, Jon Boats, Marine Electric, Marine Electrical, Marine Wiring, Panel Rewire, Pontoons, Power Boats, Trolling Motors, Voltage Drop | Comments Off

Reset Revival

August 27th, 2012 by Kevin Hannula

Hi Kevin,

I screwed up my boat wiring and hope that you can help.

I have a 2004 Sylvan 18 I/O. I had to jump it the other day and in my hurry I hooked up the boat battery cables in reverse. Push to reset breaker

I have power to the bilge pump, boat horn and navigation lights, but the other side of the dash has no power at all. This includes starter switch, bilge blower, and radio. I checked the fuses but found none bad.

Did I miss a fuse down on the starter?

Thanks,

Maurice

Hi Maurice,

There is a push-to-reset circuit breaker on the engine that supplies power to the dash. It should be a red button about 3/8″ diameter on the stbd side of the engine near where the main engine harness plugs in.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Posted in Bilge Pump, Blowers, Boat Battery Wiring, Boat Lighting, Boat Wiring, Circuit Protection, Horns, Ignition Switch, Marine Electric, Marine Electrical, Marine Engines, Marine Wiring, Power Boats, Pumps, Radio | Comments Off

Trim Trouble

August 20th, 2012 by Kevin Hannula

Hi Kevin,

I have a boat which is a center console.

When I give the boat’s engine direct power, it starts and the tilt trim works. But, when I connect the battery to the terminals, it’s no good – it won’t even crank over nor will the tilt trim work.

I have tested the isolator switch with a multimeter and it seemed to be fine.

What else do you think I should do?Marine electrical trim panel

Thanks mate,

Ozzy

Hi Ozzy,

Test the switch and cables with the engine connected while you are trying to start it.

It is very common for cables and switches to read fine with a meter, but as soon as you draw current down them, there is too much resistance in the wire/switch and the engine will not start.

Since the meter draws a very small current, it not cause the huge voltage drop problem that you are seeing.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Hi Kevin

So do you think I should buy and try a new isolator switch?

Thanks

Ozzy,

I would test the voltage at the battery switch when you are trying to start the engine. It may be the boat battery cables.

Kevin

Posted in Batteries, Battery Management, Boat Battery Switches, Boat Battery Wiring, Boat Wiring, Marine Battery Switch, Marine Electrical, Marine Wiring, Testing, Trim, Voltage Drop, Voltmeter | Comments Off

Bow to Stern?

July 30th, 2012 by Kevin Hannula

Kevin:

I need some advice on the best battery configuration for my boat.

I have a 19 foot Blue Wave fishing boat with a Yamaha 115 and a 24-volt trolling motor. Currently, I have two dedicated trolling batteries mounted in front; cranking and all other accessories are handled by a single battery mounted in back. I also have an onboard marine battery charger mounted in front for the trolling batteries.Blue Wave 190

This setup works just fine, but I don’t like having the two trolling batteries and the charger in the front (space and weight distribution considerations). There is room for all three batteries in the back with a few minor adjustments.

So here are my questions:

  1. If I mount all three batteries in back, is it possible to set it up so that all three can charge from the alternator? And should I keep the configuration of two batteries for trolling and one for everything else, or do something different?
  2. Is there a simple and reliable way to do this with just two batteries?

Thanks

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Moving the weight aft may not be the best solution. The additional 100+ pounds may cause the boat to be slower on plane and to porpoise at top speed. I would test the weight in the aft before making any wiring changes.

There are devices like the Guest/Marinco Charge PRO plus that allow the engine alternator to charge the 24v system while underway and charge all three while plugged in.

It is common to condense your marine electrical system down to two batteries.

  • Battery 1 is for the engine and all other 12v systems.
  • Battery 2 is connected in series with battery 1 (+ of 1 to – of 2) and the trolling motor 24v connection is made by connecting the negative to to Battery 1 (engine battery) and the positive to Battery 2.
  • You would be able to use your existing battery charge to charge both batteries, but the engine would only charge the starting battery while underway.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Posted in Batteries, Battery Chargers, Battery Management, Boat Battery Switches, Boat Battery Wiring, Boat Wiring, Marine Battery Switch, Marine Electric, Marine Electrical, Marine Wiring, Trolling Motors | Comments Off

Backward Boat Wiring?

July 5th, 2012 by Kevin Hannula

Hello Kevin,

I am trying to replace the white all-round navigation light on my fishing boat wiring.

My old light had two wires, blue and black which were connected to a black and gray on my boat. My new Attwood light has three wires. One black and 2 red labeled rear and aft. Attwood LED all round white navigation light

How do I wire this?

Thanks,

Tom

Hi Tom,

Connect the black to the black and both reds to the blue.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Kevin

I appreciate your quick response, but I tried that and it didn’t come on.

Tom

Hi Tom,

Is the new light one of the Attwood LED navigation lights?

Thanks

Kevin

Kevin

No, the package doesn’t designate it as led. It’s titled as “Anchor/Stern Light Combination.”

Tom

Hi Tom,

It may be polarity sensitive and your boat may be wired backwards.

Either check the black and blue on your boat with a meter or try hooking up the black on the light to the blue on the boat and the reds on the light to the black on the boat.

Kevin

Posted in Boat Battery Wiring, Boat Lighting, Boat Wiring, Ground issues, LEDs, Marine Electric, Marine Electrical, Marine Wiring, Navigation Lights, Panel Rewire, Power Boats, Signaling Devices | Comments Off

Conversion Aversion

June 25th, 2012 by Kevin Hannula

Kevin,

My fishing boat wiring question concerns using an inverter to charge trolling motor batteries.

Can I plug my Guest Model 2611 battery charger into an inverter capable of producing at least 10 amps if the inverter is connected to the main motor (1994 Mercury 125 HP Optimax outboard) starting battery only while the main motor is running? Guest marine electrical battery charger

Thank you.

Don

Hi Don,

This will work.

It is not the most efficient way to charge your boat’s trolling motor batteries while underway, but it is the most cost effective.

Kevin

Kevin,

Thank you.

I am open to considering any other “more efficient” suggestions from you.

Please share your ideas.

Don

Hi Don,

There are chargers like this one from Marinco that will charge all three batteries along with charging on the fly.

When charging the marine electrical system using the engine alternator, the DC charge is not converted to AC and then back to DC.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Posted in Batteries, Battery Chargers, Battery Management, Boat Battery Wiring, Boat Wiring, Jon Boats, Marine Electrical, Marine Wiring, Pontoons, Power Boats, Trolling Motors | Comments Off
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