Pontoon Rebuild

pugbro · #1 September 23rd, 2008, 07:11 PM

I am rebuilding a 20' Bass Tracker "toon" that I bought used..Things have gone pretty good but I just recently started the rewiring process..All the wires were marked and ldentified before the tear down. When I started the rewiring, I noticed that the engine, trolling motor, and lights are all hooked up to the starter battery...This can't be right, can it? If it is, why do we have 2 battries, a starting battery and a trolling battery? I'm a little confused, but I have very little experience to draw from. Is there a web site where I can download a "typical" wiring diagram. I tried Tracker and all they said was contact a dealer and around here if you ain't spending big bucks the dealer does not want to talk to you. They all suggested I bring it in and let their technician do the wiring for me.....Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.

KEEP IT FUN, KEEP IT SAFE!

VaGent · #2 September 23rd, 2008, 09:37 PM

A very good friend of mine who has repaired boats of all types for years told me just the other day because I had the same question, that you are SAFE to put all the lighting, power trim & tilt all on the starting battery. Put the trolling motor on a "seperate battery" all by itself. He stated the chargeing system of the engine was enough to keep the starting battery charged up but NOT the trolling battery. That of course all depends on the output of the charging circuit of your engine. Mine is a Johnson 70 HP that charges at the most at 7-9 amps which is plenty for the starting battery even with running lights & gauges. I also have a seperate battery on both of my boats (bass & pontoon) that is dedicated to the trolling motor only. I just plug in the charger when I get home & leave until I get ready to go out again. Hope this helps.

tashasdaddy · #3 September 24th, 2008, 06:36 AM

here are a couple of threads. http://www.iboats.com/Marine_Store/d...-submit%2Ey.13

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=225399

pugbro · #4 September 24th, 2008, 09:15 PM

Thanks a million guys...As always iboats to the rescue! The responses and answers I have received here are unmeasurable...Could not do it with you guys.

THANKS A BUNCH!