Black Box (literally) Under Dash--what is it?

Mark.Boat

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Jun 30, 2020
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17
Hello Boat Enthusiasts—

I have what I think is a quick and easy question, but wanted to know for sure if possible. The question is related to a boat that is a 1991 SeaRay 185BR and it has always been family owned (I own it now from my father). I have a small black box connected between the radio and the active hot wire at the circuit board (can’t see any part numbers on the black box). I believe it is original and I currently have it disconnected for now since I was having a 3-4V voltage drop that I diagnosed to this thing (finally located it after running the DVM around—was frustrating to locate). Here is what I think it is and then I’ll ask some questions. I believe this to be a buzzer box such that if you turn the key from the off position to the 1st position, but don’t start the motor, that this thing will buzz after like 15 seconds or so as a warning that you have powered the dash and other circuits and should not leave it on like this without the engine running. I believe I used to hear it work, but can’t remember. Questions: what is this thing? Is there a part # for it (I checked my SeaRay docs but can’t find it). If it is just a warning for an active circuit on, can I just wire it out (i.e. remove it), OR does it warn if there is a high-temp warning, or oil pressure situation? If it warns for dangerous situations, rather than just the key in 1st position, I guess I would like to keep it but would need a replacement option. If it is just a warning for a circuit being “on”, then I don’t think I need to replace it. I’ve attached a couple of pictures. If anyone can shed some light on this thing, what it does and the necessity of it, I would appreciate your comments. Thank you!
 

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Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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most likely it is the fuse holder for the radio
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
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Messages
49,534
what ever it is, it is soley for the radio. the boat doesnt need it.

the radio is 31 years old. spend another $100 get a new one and listen to it for another 31 years
 

Mark.Boat

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Jun 30, 2020
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There is a fuse separate, but in line, to this box. When I try to pry the top cover open on the box itself, it doesn't appear to be fuse related, but I can look again. I had one more picture...you can see a fuse between my thumb and fingers (I removed the plastic cover already).
 

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Mark.Boat

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Jun 30, 2020
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what ever it is, it is soley for the radio. the boat doesnt need it.

the radio is 31 years old. spend another $100 get a new one and listen to it for another 31 years
Ok...thank you Scott. I already replaced the radio with a Clarion M508 Marine Stereo, so I will just take this thing out....
 

Mark.Boat

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Jun 30, 2020
Messages
17
Noise Choke (Inductors and perhaps Caps)
Thank you for your feedback! I bet that is what it is. I will poke around on the internet to find a replacement. I also wonder if the Clarion marine stereo mentioned above that I put in two years ago would filter this out automatically, or is it wise to put a new filter back in? I guess it can't hurt and they look like they only are about $20 or so. I will try removing it and see what kind of noise comes through the speakers (I replaced the speakers as well). We really only play music while the engine is off, so I think my question is minor. Again, thanks for helping figure this out....
 

Mark.Boat

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Joined
Jun 30, 2020
Messages
17
Thank you for your feedback! I bet that is what it is. I will poke around on the internet to find a replacement. I also wonder if the Clarion marine stereo mentioned above that I put in two years ago would filter this out automatically, or is it wise to put a new filter back in? I guess it can't hurt and they look like they only are about $20 or so. I will try removing it and see what kind of noise comes through the speakers (I replaced the speakers as well). We really only play music while the engine is off, so I think my question is minor. Again, thanks for helping figure this out....
Just sharing some additional photos after I took it out this past week. It is not needed and I don't hear any engine noise through the radio.....so all is good! But is was causing a very annoying voltage drop....
 

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