request basic wiring diagram, small outboard boat

[Cpt. Beyond]

hello, im into wiring up my 17' osprey and while im fairly certain of what im doing as there is not a whole lot going on... (motor,instruments,gps/depth/fish,radio,stereo,navl lts,flood lt,bilge pump. on 2 batteries) could someone provide a wiring diagram to double check against what ive done here? thanks again. black bass in May!

[Tampa Bay Mike]

Check out New Wire Marine's website. They have a resources page that has lots of great info and diagrams. I used them for my 22 and have no complaints

[Capt. Bob]

Some basic stuff you may find helpful.

https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=9053.msg79505#msg79505

Good luck.

[Cpt. Beyond]

very helpful, thank you. Is it recommended i install an ACR of some kind for my 17' osprey with 2 batts? I dont have to have an ACR, correct?

[Tampa Bay Mike]

They are nice but not necessary. I one of the blue seas "off, on, combine" battery switches that does the same thing as long as I remember to switch it manually. An ACR just takes the worry out of it.

[Capt. Bob]

They are nice but not necessary.

I tend to agree. I will admit I've pondered one for some time but I have become so accustomed to Batt 1 for the entire trip (both start and accessory) and then switching to Batt 2 on the next trip. Both my batteries are duel purpose and this is a routine I've used since I began using two batteries.

[Cpt. Beyond]

ok, i think ill fair well with 2 batteries no ACR. im running a small boat with not much for power consumption. Capt. Bob when your switching between battery use on the 2nd trip this is to make sure both batteries are being used equally overall? Are you trickle charging both batteries after each trip?

[Capt. Bob]

Yes, that's the idea. Alternating batteries on trips has work well enough. I have both a very old gel type and a newer AGM. Both have enough capacity to crank the motor for easy starting and run what few electronics (GPS, sounder, VHF, washdown/baitwell pump) I have. Very simple, not hard to remember and even if I should mess up the sequencing, the world doesn't stop rotating.

Both types hold a charge very well so I usually charge both every couple of months when I'm not using the boat (like now). No constant trickle. Seems to work for me. The gel is very old but still performs well. I can't bring myself to replace it. The AGM is 4 years old IIRC.

[Cpt. Beyond]

ok, good to know. thanks for the advice. very helpful.

[boatnamesue]

hello, im into wiring up my 17' osprey and while im fairly certain of what im doing as there is not a whole lot going on... (motor,instruments,gps/depth/fish,radio,stereo,navl lts,flood lt,bilge pump. on 2 batteries) could someone provide a wiring diagram to double check against what ive done here? thanks again. black bass in May!

You mentioned 2 batteries….You should (if you didn’t already) isolate the cranking battery.  There might be fellow members who disagree….but considering all of the accessories you noted, you don’t want those acc pulling amps from the cranking battery with motor off….you’re inviting the potential of having a dead battery.  Let’s put it this way…30 years I’ve operated boats and the only times I’ve come across a boat w/dead battery is when acc are tied into cranking battery. 

[Capt. Bob]

hello, im into wiring up my 17' osprey and while im fairly certain of what im doing as there is not a whole lot going on... (motor,instruments,gps/depth/fish,radio,stereo,navl lts,flood lt,bilge pump. on 2 batteries) could someone provide a wiring diagram to double check against what ive done here? thanks again. black bass in May!

You mentioned 2 batteries….You should (if you didn’t already) isolate the cranking battery.  There might be fellow members who disagree….but considering all of the accessories you noted, you don’t want those acc pulling amps from the cranking battery with motor off….you’re inviting the potential of having a dead battery.  Let’s put it this way…30 years I’ve operated boats and the only times I’ve come across a boat w/dead battery is when acc are tied into cranking battery.

I'd be the last one to argue with that logic but the first to have a single battery do both. This of course requires  the batteries are the proper type and properly maintained. Should you somehow run down one playing the stereo all day and night you might be able to switch over to the other and start the motor. Again, not for everyone. Just those with a limited draw and an awareness of how they use their boat.

[boatnamesue]

I'd be the last one to argue with that logic but the first to have a single battery do both. This of course requires  the batteries are the proper type and properly maintained. Should you somehow run down one playing the stereo all day and night you might be able to switch over to the other and start the motor. Again, not for everyone. Just those with a limited draw and an awareness of how they use their boat.

Couldn’t agree more Bob.