Electronics and battery hook-up

[BassCat73]

I am havinga problem with my bow-mount depth finder turning off every-so-often. The wiring was done by the original owner and I think he might have the depth finder hooked up to the trolling battery. I was told once that the depth finder should be hooked up to the starter battery that is connected to the motor. If it's hooked up to the trolling battery, the trolling motor will cause interference with power to the depth finder, which will cause it to turn off. Is this thinking correct?

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Electronics and battery hook-up

The depth finder probably has a minimum voltage requirement and once that is reached it turns itself off to prevent damage. I would rewire so the depth finder runs off the starting battery instead, they don't draw much power.

 

[BassCat73]

Re: Electronics and battery hook-up

I just checked the wiring. The depth finder is wired to the starter battery. For some reason, the depth finder will just turn off. I can always turn it back on immediately, so it's really weird. I'm not sure what the deal is??

 

[kreecher]

Re: Electronics and battery hook-up

My depth finder was doing the same thing. I bought my boat used as well and noticed that the connecting cable wasn't long enough. Make sure there is enough play in the length of the cable to absorb the shock of fast running. If you depth finder has a quick disconnect mounting, make sure the terminals are clean and not warn out.

 

[cbcrawford]

Re: Electronics and battery hook-up

Might just be worth running fresh wiring that you KNOW is good because you did it yourself . . . It could be as simple as automotive wiring connectors starting to corrode, so when your boat rocks just the right way the connection breaks for 1/2 second . . . I just rewired half of my 'new to me' boat for no good reason other than peace of mind, and now if something goes wrong out on the water, I know where and what each and every wire is for . . . Just my Humble 'Pinoin.

 

[BassCat73]

Re: Electronics and battery hook-up

Thanks SHO, that's probably a good idea. I'm not sure what else it could be anyhow, so I'll do that and see.