Installing horn on pontoon boat

[roger56]

The horn I bought to go on boat says that it needs a relay to install this Horn? Relay part was not included with horn.
I am not sure I need it? Can this be wired some how through the wiring that supplies the starter switch or the light switch? Right now there is not a switch for the horn I will have to purchase that before installing horn. Just trying to have all parts before doing the install.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Installing horn on pontoon boat

Is there an amperage specification on the horn.
The purpose of the relay is to take the horn load off the horn switch.
Also the relay could allow picking up a higher amperage supply closer to the horn.
If the horn will be close to your helm I would think a heavy-duty push button would work
There is probably a good 12 volt supply at the helm.

 

[sccatfish]

Re: Installing horn on pontoon boat

You need a separate switch for the horn and it should also have it's own fuse. Find the amperage of the horn and try to find a switch that's rated for at least that much. If it's more amps that you can find a switch rated for then you'll have to use a relay, which basically creates two circuits (one circuit powers the relay, the other powers the horn and the relay is the switch), and each one will need a fuse. Be sure to use the correctly sized wiring also. It may just be easiest to run two new wires from the battery. You might be able to split off from the wire for the light switch if that wire is large enough to handle the combined amps of the lights and the horn. If you choose to do this, not only should the individual circuits be fused but the main line coming from the battery should be fused near the battery.

You shouldn't go messing with the starter circuit. The wiring for the motor should be completely separate from the wiring for accessories.

 

[Bama Hound]

Re: Installing horn on pontoon boat

I have messed with horns using relays and dedicated circuits with a dedicated ground. When the Marine Police want you to blow it for an inspection. It may go like "TIC" when you hit the button. Buy you an aerosol back-up or a loud whistle carried on boat keyring with long string. Horns on boats are strange creatures.

 

[roger56]

Re: Installing horn on pontoon boat

Thanks guys we be working on it soon will let you know how it works out.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Installing horn on pontoon boat

Remember it has to open to the air, State law, you can't just put it under the console.

You could mount it under the deck in front and that is fine or you have to cut a hole in the console but it can't be in or under anything, not that they would ever check.

If it didn't come with a cover plate you would have to go under the deck and I would just get a good switch and nix the rely, how long could you possibly use it, if it was a contant use item I could see a relay but you will more than likely use it for 3 seconds a year and not all of that at the same time.

 

[roger56]

Re: Installing horn on pontoon boat

There is a hole already in console just have to get switch to fit it. I think I will skip the relay and pull power from light switch since it is run directly to battery with its own fuse.