one battery

[old jim]

My new to me Tracker pontoon has one battery. I am wondering if the smaller wires to the terminals are
for the acessories only? The 2 large wires are for cranking the motor, Duh. But there is one smaller wire on
the positive terminal and 2 on the negative post. Are those wires for the accessories only? I am thinking
maybe another battery. Regards, old jim

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: one battery

Yes! The two smaller wires are most likely for the accessories, including the ignition. (House Load)

The extra ground wire may be a ground to the metal of the "Hull".

Where does it go!?

 

[Bondo]

Re: one battery

My new to me Tracker pontoon has one battery. I am wondering if the smaller wires to the terminals are
for the acessories only? The 2 large wires are for cranking the motor, Duh. But there is one smaller wire on
the positive terminal and 2 on the negative post. Are those wires for the accessories only? I am thinking
maybe another battery. Regards, old jim

Ayuh,.... Follow the wires to See where they go.... We can see 'em....

 

[old jim]

Re: one battery

I disconnected all 3 small wires, so the ignition and the 3 position trim tab are all working. Pretty
sure one of the small ground wires is for the add on fish finder. There best not be anything grounded
to the hull Uncle Willie. I am still looking. Regards, old jim

 

[Silvertip]

Re: one battery

You have just learned that there are two electrical systems on most recreational boats. The very large battery cables that go to the engine and the harness that runs from the engine to the control box is considered the "engine system". Typically there are two smaller wires (#8 or #10 gauge) that run from the battery to the helm. That system is considered the "boat system" and it powers the switches and the accessories they control. That is why the engine still cranks, the trim works, and the gauges remain working when you disconnected the small gauge wires. Note that the gauges are powered by the engine system -- not the boat system. In your case, it appears the smaller wires for some accessories were wired back to the battery rather than using a buss type of system at the helm. Curious though as to why there are two ground wires and only one positive wire in that group.

 

[old jim]

Re: one battery

Still trying to decide if I will add a second battery for the "boat system." Having had a couple different RV's I think I
am more comfortable with seperate systems. Regards, old jim

 

[Silvertip]

Re: one battery

You don't have that large an electrical load to add that level of complexity. A simple jump start unit would suffice to provide the emergency starting if needed. Depending on the engine you have, you may even be able to rope start it.

 

[old jim]

Re: one battery

O'k, I will leave well enough alone for now and see how she goes.
Bought the jump starter thingie a couple weeks ago. Regards, old jim