Re: wiring question
You have two batteries in parallel and the intent of the original owner was to have the engine charge both batteries. While that seems logical, it is actually bad practice if you do not have a "dual battery switch", a "battery isolator", a "Voltage Sensing Relay (VSR), or similar system to prevent discharging the starting battery. Having the trolling motor paralleling the start battery means the troller and accessories are drawing off both batteries which can leave you dead in the water. My suggestion is to get everything back over onto the starting battery, disconnect the wires between the two, and use the trolling motor battery strictly for the troller and locator. You will need to charge the troller after each use. If this boat is outboard powered, it probably does not have a large enough alternator to charge a deeply discharged troller battery in a short run back to the dock. That would take several hours running wide open. You have options, - so research your needs.
