tj309

I have a twin outboard cat with obviously 2 batteries. My simple question is when the standard BATT swich is set to both (as opposed to 1 or 2 or off) are the 2 electrical systems independent? I think if I set the batt switch to 1 both systems will run off #1 battery in parallel so it would make sense in the "both" position they would be independent...so why do they not label this as independent? I am totally re-wiring my boat and want to keep the 2 electrical systems independant of each other for redundancy but have the ability to switch as needed. Also how should I run accessories such as the radios, nav lights, etc (lots of etc)? I figgured I would run a separate hot and ground from each battery to the left and right switch panel. I am not sure if the hot lead off the ignition harness can do this?

Thanks, TJ

Ted G

iTrader: (1)

The load on the switch should go to each motor. Then connect the number 1 position to a battery and the number 2 position to the other switches number 2 position. Then normally run the boat with the switches in "1" and if you have an issue on one side or the other switch both to "ALL" and everything is joined. You can even isolate a bad battery by moving that side to "2" and the good side to "ALL", so both motors will draw from only one battery. As for accessories- I usually run a 6 or 8 gauge wire to the dash for a feed. If you have lots of stuff, then a 2 or 4 is not out of the question. Only run it off of one side so you can't accidentally run down both batteries.

Wally

iTrader: (1)

First question i have for you is: Do you have two batt switches? If not then no your electrical systems are not independant. I could be wrong if its wired all funky, but more then likely you have one main starting batery and a reserve/backup battery.
You would need two switches to run the systems independently.....and when running you would run each switch in the BATT1 position. the if you need to use the other battery you move the switch to Batt2 or both....heres a pic i saved a while back showing how its hooked up.
As for running sepperate hot and grounds for left and right switch panel acc......you can do that...but unless your running some acc's that draw some big amps, it will be fine with the stock harness. If you do run it sepperate, hook up the runs to the Batt switches and not straight from the Batteries unless you want to be able to turn acc on at any time. Just remember that you may forget to turn som,ethign off when you leave and your batteries will be dead next time you come back. Also make sure to fuse those sepperate runs as close to the batt or switch as possible to avoid fires if something shorts out!!