Something odd happens occaisonally on my new to me princecraft 186. When I start the engine to move from one fishing spot to another the fishfinder (Helix 5 GPS) shuts off and takes a while before it allows m
e to start it up again.
A bit of background - Mercury Optimax 150 (still not sure if I like this animal), 1000 MCA battery (on spec for the motor) All the accessories - bilge, GPS, trim are wired to this battery - which should probably me addressed. Battery is good, cranks the boat over fine.
What I am thinking is happening is that the voltage drops too low to maintain the correct minimum voltage for the finder. I should test this with a meter but have not.
Ideally, I think it would be best to have a 2 battery system - 1 strictly for the engine/ignition and another for the accessories - but I wonder how the accessory battery would get charged if it is not pulling from the alternator. There is room in the battery box for another one.
Thanks in advance for your ideas/comments.
D
e to start it up again.
A bit of background - Mercury Optimax 150 (still not sure if I like this animal), 1000 MCA battery (on spec for the motor) All the accessories - bilge, GPS, trim are wired to this battery - which should probably me addressed. Battery is good, cranks the boat over fine.
What I am thinking is happening is that the voltage drops too low to maintain the correct minimum voltage for the finder. I should test this with a meter but have not.
Ideally, I think it would be best to have a 2 battery system - 1 strictly for the engine/ignition and another for the accessories - but I wonder how the accessory battery would get charged if it is not pulling from the alternator. There is room in the battery box for another one.
Thanks in advance for your ideas/comments.
D