Help with setup on noob's first boat

[salmonee]

Just picked up my first boat last night, a 16' Tiderunner (Sailfish) closed bow w/ a '04 115 Yami (<100hrs). Anyhow I have a couple of questions to get things rolling.

1. I noticed that the switches (bilge, lights, windshield) can be turned on without ever turning on the motor. Should I change this to like that of a car where you have to turn the key to the "ACCY" position to turn ON stuff? The motor also tilts without turning the key, is this normal? I just don't want the battery to drain while the boat is sitting.

2. The switches stated above are the only ones on the boat currently, I know I will need to install a horn. Any ideas/recommendations?

3. What kind of battery charging system should I get and where can I pick it up?

4. I need to install battery #2 for the electronics and was wondering if placing it under the bow would be problematic? Would it be too bouncy?

5. What do you think about this FF/GPS setup? It was recommended by some folks on another board but they fish on the east coast. Get a new Raymarine DS500X for like $275 and carry a Garmin GPSMAP 76 for navigation.

6. Any other recommendation?

I plan to fish mainly local lakes up in Seattle/central washington, fishing sound/bay, and maybe the columbia river.

Sorry if some these questions are so noob.

EDIT: I was thinking about installing a VHF. What do you think? Any recommendations?

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Help with setup on noob's first boat

1. I noticed that the switches (bilge, lights, windshield) can be turned on without ever turning on the motor. Should I change this to like that of a car where you have to turn the key to the "ACCY" position to turn ON stuff? The motor also tilts without turning the key, is this normal? I just don't want the battery to drain while the boat is sitting.

It's normal.
What you can do is, when your boat is out of the water and sitting, just turn your battery switch OFF. If you don't have one, you can install one, and there's your solution.

As you mention you are planning on adding a 2nd battery to your setup, the switch is a must.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Help with setup on noob's first boat

Holy Crap Salmonee Finally Bought A Boat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Want A New Thread Started With Pictures And A Full Story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Help with setup on noob's first boat

ok, now after 2 years and 2000 posts I FINALLY know how someone ends up with their whole post having every word capitalized. My post above was typed in all caps for emphasis and that's how it came out.

 

[salmonee]

Re: Help with setup on noob's first boat

Holy Crap Salmonee Finally Bought A Boat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Want A New Thread Started With Pictures And A Full Story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pictures coming. I just picked her up last night and am getting her ready for her maiden voyage w/ camping this weekend. A good friend is moving out of state next week so this trip is to send him off. I'm scrambling to make sure the ship doesn't leave us stranded.

 

[KurtG]

Re: Help with setup on noob's first boat

no real advice for your questions, but congrats! I know you've spent a fair amount of time looking.

I will say, that I wouldn't do too much until you take it on a shake out cruise and get a better feel for what you want and need.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Help with setup on noob's first boat

there should be nothing connected to the ignition switch other than motor related items.
lights, radio etc should have their on source of power and fuse block. as said battery switch.

this is really an electrical forum question.