Chessieborn
Recruit
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2004
- Messages
- 3
My son and I completely restored a 1986 Grumman 16' aluminum fishing boat this past fall. Labor of love. The hull was immaculate with no dings or scratches. We replaced and recarpeted the wooden floors, replaced the wooden lids to the port, midships livewell and starboard storage compartment, replaced the wood inserts for the full-width seats bow and stern, and replaced the wooden transom reinforcement. Looks like it just came out of the showroom some 20 years ago.<br />Now, about electronics. I found a great deal on a new Nissan 18HP 4-stroke electric start and bought it. Instead of using the D-cell powered, clamp-on nav lights for and aft, I'd like to mount permanent lights. I have a bracket to mount the removable stern light stick to the transom top and the bow light will mount on the heavy duty cast aluminum bow plate. So, outboard cables to pos/neg battery. I have a multi-electical line distributer that connects to the battery. Can I run wiring from the battery (with in-line fuses) to a waterproof two-switch panel I'll mount on the outside of the starboard storage box, then to the bow/stern lights?? <br />Keep in mind that my previous outboards were manual start.<br />Questions:<br />1. Am I correct in assuming that the alternator on the outboard will keep the 12V battery charged while the motor is running?<br />2. Both bow and stern lights will be used while under power; the stern light will be used while drift fishing outside sea lanes at night. Will this cause a significant drain on the battery?<br />3. If the battery should die, I can start the motor with the manual starter rope and flywheel, right?<br />4. What type and gauge of wire should I use?<br />I certainly appreciate your advice. You have a great forum here and I've learned a low already.<br /><br />Chessieborn
