I know how to wire a battery switch, and I think I know how they work, but I have the following situation in my new (old) boat and not sure if it was purposely wired such:

Batt switch on "1": Boat starts, accessories run
Batt switch on "2": Accessories run, no start
Batt switch on "Both": Same as 1 with more starting power

Question is: Shouldn't the boat start on 1 AND/OR 2?? How the heck can you get battery 2 to assist on start, but not start by itself???

I haven't yet checked the wiring configuration, but this is somewhat confusing. Switch is typical Perko with "1/2/Both" configuration.

Thanks in advance,

D. Ocean
Pompano Beach, FLA

sounds like your MOTOR wire is on the BATT1 post of the switch. BATT1 wire is on the MOTOR post of the switch. House wire is on the MOTOR post of the switch. BATT2 is on the BATT2 post of the switch.

Check to see if accessories still work with the switch on the OFF position. This will verify the above mistake.

I like to wire everything in the boat to the common terminal on the switch.If I am camping for the night or if the boat will be moored or on trailer I switch to 1 battery only so that there is a backup.This way when the battery switch is turned off (wich I only do if the boat will not be used for extended periods)there is possitivly no draw.The down side is any electronics such as stereo memory will loose memory.Make sure not to turn switch off if boat is moored as you will have no bilge pump.

Another way to wire your dual batteries that is automatic is to attach all accesories (lights, stereo, bilge,etc.)to one battery and use an isolator or just a jumbo selenoid that is ignition wired.I prefer the selenoid as they are more reliable and cheap/easy to change.

Only the bilge pump works when switch is in "OFF" position.

Guess I'll remove the switch and trace the wires.

D. Ocean
Pompano Beach, FLA

I think many wire the bilge pumps direct at the switch to a battery lead connection so they can not be shut off.

Your not hooked up right. Back up and just hook up battery1 and get it working so you can turn it on and off on position 1. Then hook up battery 2 the same way on position 2 and make sure you everything also works in position 2.