I don't know if it is a new issue but I just realized that with both of my battery switches in the off position I still have power to my ignition, trim and tabs. I have a 2004 Sonic 358 with twin merc 525's and two new Interstate batteries. I can't imagine that this would be set up like this from the factory or if something has happened and I am just realizing it. I pulled both battery switches and in the off position on both I have 12.5v on the posts behind selection 1 and 2 and nothing on the top post behind both. I don't know if there is a ground problem but everything on the boat are working fine and boat runs great. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I think the dash components are wired directly to the batteries and not through the switches. Mine is set up the same way.

Just be smart and don't leave your ignitions on dead batteries and a lot more hours than reality

SO there is no way to cut power to the ignition system? Seems like that could be a hazard.

I have 2 Perko style switches and 2 throw style switches In between them. The throw switches are the ones that control that circuit I think. When I turn off Batteries I also turn them off.

Pull the lanyards and take them with you, that will cut the power right at the switch.

That will not kill the power just the Ignition to motors. They will crank just wont start

Only good if you take the keys also. After indulging all day I don't need to be trying to remember that much. The next morning that is

Bill, with your luck you could leave the keys in running and they wouldn't take it.( full of fuel too.)

something is not wired correctly, when the switches are off, the only thing that should have power is the fire sys. and auto bilge sys. are the switches single positon on off switches? one for each motor, or is there a link sys. to combined the 2 batteries.

On a Sonic wrong! The auto bilge switch is is in the dash and can be turned on and off. Drives and tabs still work.