MAIN SHUT OFF

[BULLWARKS]

My boat does not have a Main Electrical Shut off. I have in the past inadvertantly hit the Livewell switch wich killed the starting batt by the time I reached my destination. I fixed this problem by installing guards over the switches but should I have a Main Cut off?<br /><br />How would it be wired?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MAIN SHUT OFF

I don't understand how hitting the live well switch kills the battery when you are under way since the alternator charges the battery (unless of course the boat is on the trailer when you did this.) A battery switch is merely an ON/OFF switch (a big one) that is installed between the positive terminal on the battery and the positive battery cable. Turn it off and no juice goes to anything in the boat. Turn it on and run normally. Just don't turn it off with the engine running or you will fry the voltage rectifier/regulator INSTANTLY.

 

[BULLWARKS]

Re: MAIN SHUT OFF

SORRY, I was towing the boat to a lake in Vermont. I live in NJ.<br /><br />Thanks Upinsmoke, does it matter what kind I get?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MAIN SHUT OFF

If you have more than one battery you'll likely want one that has OFF-BOTH-BAT 1-BAT 2 settings. This allows you to charge both batteries while under way. When you get to your fishing hole, lay up point, or whatever, you can switch to BAT 1 or BAT 2 to run your stereo, locator, and any other accessories so as not to discharge the other (Starting) battery. When you get ready to go, switch to BAT 2, start the engine and switch back to BOTH. At the slip or your dock, kill the engine, switch to OFF and you will be assured the batteries will not be dead when you return a week later. If you have just one battery, a two position OFF-ON switch is used. Perko is just one brand. NEVER move the switch to OFF with the engine running. It fries the voltage regulator/rectifier in a heartbeat. Battery switches are available here on iBoats.

 

[BULLWARKS]

Re: MAIN SHUT OFF

Thanks for the post Upinsmoke.<br /><br />Currently only 1 battery.<br /><br />Currently the wires from the accessories as well as the Main F150 and Kicker 9.9 are wired to the battery post. Will they all fit on the Switch too?

 

[Speedwagon]

Re: MAIN SHUT OFF

The switches just have 3 studs on the back, and you can fit what you need on them usually.<br /><br />Alternatively, you can wire directly to the battery, just remember which battery it is(1 or 2), and turn off the other battery so you don't drain the starting one.