Re: Battery connections question
First question would be do you have a wiring diagram for the boat? Not likely. Do the cables terminate near the battery or is there a panel nearby. If its only the battery, then likely a ground though the color doesn't guarantee that. Get a voltmeter and check whether these show positive potential to a known ground such as that on the battery. If you don't have a meter, suggest getting one since they are essential to troubleshooting ciruits. Short of a meter, trace the cables back to the opposite end termination. Could be a fuse box, instrument or light fixture, you won't know till you locate where it terminates. It should become more clear as you trace them whether they are ground or not.
BTW, teh best thing you can do, is create a wiring diagram by tracing each wire from the battery to the fuse panel, switch panel, instruments or load. WIll be indespensible in troubleshooting later, and makes it a lot easier in deciphering each circuit.
Good luck.
