Hi Kevin,

My problem right now is that when I switch on my navigation lights, my fishfinder goes off.

Is this a problem with the wiring or do I need a separate battery?

I have two 12 volt batteries on my boat. One is on the electric start, 25hp Mercury, fishfinder, and navigational lights and the other is for the electric trolling motor.

Any help would be great!!!

Thanks so much,

Mike

Mike,

The fish finder on your boat is the only device that is voltage sensitive – when it sees too low a voltage it shuts off. For all other devices, if the voltage is low, they just spin slower or don’t glow as bright.

If this system worked before and doesn’t any more, check all electrical connections. Each loose or corroded electrical connection induces a voltage drop. Too many of these will cause the fish finder to turn off and all other devices to remain on. The solution might even be as simple as replacing wings nuts on your battery with locking nuts.

If the system never worked, increase the size of the power feed wire for the panel that feeds the navigation lights and fish finder or run a separate power feed for the fish finder. If you add a new lead, make sure you have circuit protection at the battery.

Happy boating,

Kevin