VHF and FF install?????

matt lagana · 08-12-2004, 12:28 PM

Can I run the pos and neg straight to a battery? Does the battery have to be grounded or can i just strap it down and run electronics off of it? I want to have 2 batterys, but don't want to mess with the factory install on the one that comes with the boat. The battery that comes with the boat will be charged by the motor, having the bildge pump, live well pump, tilt and trim, engine start, and lights. The one I install will have the FF, VHF, and compass light(maybe a GPS). It will be a deep cycle. I will charge it manually. Thanks!!!!

filmer · 08-12-2004, 04:46 PM

I don't see why you couldn't do as you suggest as long as you put two fuses in the hot lines. My friend does exactly what you plan to do on his fiberglass fishing boat. He wanted to isolate the two batteries so the engine would start in case the electronics battery was drained. And he didn't want to install a battery switch or isolator. As far as not grounding the negative terminal, there might be some effect on the VHF antenna operation but my friend didn't ground his battery and no complaints so far......

warthog5 · 08-12-2004, 11:20 PM

It will work. There are better, but more expensive was to make it work easier.

Quote: The one I install will have the FF, VHF, and compass light(maybe a GPS).

The compass light get's hooked to the instrument lights.

There is no such thing as grounding the battery. Mounting the battery so it doesn't slid around.
The battery has a ground [-] terminal. No need to worry about connecting a wire to that ground stud
on the electronics equipment. It will work fine. That's mostly for steel or alum hulls.