Stopping dead batteries

[crosbyman]

Just a suggestion….. since all my stuff was not connected to my accessory supply I ran into a dead battery after leaving some accessories on in my boat. Typical was my “quiet” bilge pump or running lights.

I ended up merging all my accessories to a common wire thanks to small diodes which kept everything isolated from one accessory to the other even if I had them all bridged to feed a main pilot lamp on the boat

When I turn off the motor I still want any accessory to work including the depth/fish finder but forgetting them can bring on a dead battery if the boat is stored for several days upon return from the fishing trip.

As an idiot light…. I have mounted on the side of my console, a trailer “side marker” (diode) lamp to my “warning” set up and anytime I get off the boat that RED marker tells me something has been left ON in the boat ! NO more dead battery !!

see picture… you can use one of those small power distribution panels to integrate all accessories to a common “something is ON” idiot lamp to remind you to shut down all accessories.

Merging all the accessories via a small 1-2 amp blocking diodes (one per accessory) will converge their +12v power to your grounded pilot lamp

…don’t forget to fill the fuse slots with a fuse. 🙂

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

• This topic was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by crosbyman.
• This topic was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by crosbyman.

[Mumbles]

You need to install a main battery switch, especially if your boat has dual batteries in it. Turning it off at the end of the day will turn the power off to everything except the automatic bilge pump, which will be hard wired to one of the batteries.

[crosbyman]

Possible solution …I agree yet I have switches on my console for each accessory but switches are not my problem, it is my occasional forgetfulness to turn them off at the end of the day.

the red 2.5inch side marker is so obvious if I forget to turn off the accessories I think i’ll need to sell the boat 🙂 🙂 🙂

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

• This reply was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by crosbyman.

[JOHN HOLBIK]

Why not use a battery connector with the thumb screw just open the thumb wheel a turn and every thing is dead .This saves a lot of money on wires diodes etc.

[crosbyman]

just a suggestion…. I just find that having a bright red light in my face when I store the boat makes it easy not to forget that I left something ON. and diodes make sure all accessories are included. in my little reminder system.

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

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