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Electrical Question

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seabreeze
Deckhand

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18 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/25/2010 : 09:35:57

I have the switch for on/off and batteries one and two. But I only have one big battery. Is there a problem if I attach the motor generator cable directly to the battery, and the cables from the switch also. The point is that if it is bad to run the motor without the switch being on, this means that I won't forget and harm the motor. (I realize it is less secure since someone can walk up and turn on the motor, but just wondering.)

Question two: I'm heading for the Sea of Cortez and am installing a fish finder. Any ideas on the best place or way to mount this? the outboard is on the starboard side, and the swim ladder on the port side. I'm thinking just beside the ladder, but I'm not sure drilling into the glass down there is a good idea??

Jim
C-25, 1982, SR,SK

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2010 : 11:09:32

As I understand it, running the engine without a battery is not a problem--it's switching the battery off while the engine is running that creates an instanteous surge on the alternator. This is not an argument for or against bypassing the switch--just a consideration.

Regarding the transducer, are you talking about a transom-mount unit? That would be tough to place so it works on both tacks without obstructing the rudder--it has to be submersed. Jim Baumgart has a fishfinder--perhaps he'll respond.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 04/25/2010 11:11:45

mlg3733
Navigator

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118 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2010 : 12:23:52

You can set the transducer, even if it is a transom mounted unit, in a ring of wax inside the hull, in the storage area closer to the port bulkhead. It is better to do it while the boat is in the water so that you can ensure it is working properly since there is extra hull thickness around the keel and you may have to move it around. Use a toilet bowl wax ring, warm up the wax by kneading it and make sure there is no air bubbles between the transducer and the hull. It works just fine and has the advantage of being removable.

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2010 : 13:05:43

Question: I know you can get depth shooting through the hull, but can you get true fishfinder function--i.e., showing the composition of the bottom and identifying objects (fish) above it?

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NCBrew
Captain

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USA
338 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2010 : 14:05:51

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stinkpotter
 Question: I know you can get depth shooting through the hull, but can you get true fishfinder function--i.e., showing the composition of the bottom and identifying objects (fish) above it?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I have a 1977 Cat 25 and I placed the transducer in a couple of different places. One was in the forward birth center lined and the other was in the port aft seat in the cabin. They both show bottom but with an error if the boat is listing. Neither site can show much in the way of fish or bottom structure. I have a Humminbird 787 c2

If you want to mount it on the transom you might think of 2 transducers and a switch.

NCBrew

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3463 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2010 : 20:33:41

My humminbird fishfinder shows the contour of the river bed but not the details. It will indicate a fish symbol at specified depths spotted and there are definitely some days when apparently there are a lot of fish heading upstream or downstream, etc compared to other days when there is significantly less activity. Other than that, not sure what exactly you are expecting the fishfinder to reveal. As far as inside hull mount verses direct water contact, my fishfinder instructions indicated either mounting was fine (transducer had a wide flat mount to facilitate in-hull mounting). The fishinder max depth would be reduced when mounting the transducer in-hull but the max depth was still going be fine for depths with ranges in 100s of feet and where I sail, the river depth is between 0-50 ft. So...no problem there.

Each person that has converted to using a fishfinder vs depthfinder has handled the fishfinder mounting somewhat differently. It really depends on what you have time to do and your most important needs. Some will just sit in the bottom of the cockpit. others have it rigged with a mount outside the companionway and put it away after sailing. I and some others have varied style swing mounts. Here's mione for example...with transducer mounted in wax (from a toilet bowl wax ring) under the VBerth area.

Edited by - OLarryR on 04/25/2010 20:39:15

seabreeze
Deckhand

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18 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2010 : 07:55:34

Thanks very much guys. Just what I needed to know. This fish finder will be used to find fish! I do have a good depth finder. I will try the easier approach with the wax and see what I get. Great help!

Edited by - seabreeze on 04/26/2010 07:56:31

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5372 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2010 : 20:36:40

Back on the battery to engine alternator thread.

I completely removed the in-line switch between my engine alternator and my group 24 battery and have installed a home run of #8 wire between the two. There is a 60A fusible link in line, just in case something goes horribly wrong, creating a DEAD SHORT. The fusible link is there simply to prevent an electrical fire. Eliminating the switch eliminates the risk that someone could unwittingly FRY THE ALTERNATOR (like me the first time I did it).

I still use the cool rotary switch to disconnect everything else in the boat from the battery. In this case, I've run #10 wire to the switch, then on to the panel. I have a 30 Amp thermal circuit breaker in line as well, again for short circuit protection. I should also add a 40 Amp fuse.

Edited by - Voyager on 04/26/2010 20:38:37

seabreeze
Deckhand

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18 Posts

Response Posted - 04/29/2010 : 16:00:06

Thanks, Voyager. This confirms what I was thinking. It is a much better set up than routing thru the switch!

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.