How does this switch work in my Nitro?

[187famous187]

I have a 2017 Nitro Z20 and was wondering if someon could explain how the power switch works. In the OFF position the main/cranking battery does not work but I still have power to the trolling motor batteries. The #1 side goes straight to the trolling motor batteries. The #2 side goes to the electronics/cranking battery. Should I be putting it in the 1&2 position when using the boat or just the #2?

Thanks!

[tlefire]

Sounds like your switch is broken.

[187famous187]

I don't think its broken. Either I don't understand the purpose or its wired wrong. It cuts power to the main battery like its supposed to. I just don't understand the purpose of having the trolling batteries go to it, because the wires to the troller go to the batteries first. Is the 1&2 position for some kind of jump starting if the main battery is too low to start motor?

[yam911]

How is your motor connected to the starting battery?

In a typical configuration in the OFF position the alternator will not feed electrical power to the boat. Nor will the start battery supply electrical power to the motor.

In the #1 position the alternator would be connected to the starting battery. Battery can start the motor and then be charged when the motor is running.

In the #2 position the alternator would be connected to a house battery. Battery can start the moor and then be charged when the motor is running.

In the #1 and #2 position the alternator would be connected to both the start battery and the house battery. In what is known as being in parallel. Both batteries would be used to start the motor and then be charged when the motor is running.

Trolling motor batteries that are 24 or 36 volts would normally not be in the starting/charging loop. They would be charged via a supplemental charger.

[Bradrodfish]

How is your motor connected to the starting battery?

In a typical configuration in the OFF position the alternator will not feed electrical power to the boat. Nor will the start battery supply electrical power to the motor.

In the #1 position the alternator would be connected to the starting battery. Battery can start the motor and then be charged when the motor is running.

In the #2 position the alternator would be connected to a house battery. Battery can start the moor and then be charged when the motor is running.

In the #1 and #2 position the alternator would be connected to both the start battery and the house battery. In what is known as being in parallel. Both batteries would be used to start the motor and then be charged when the motor is running.

Trolling motor batteries that are 24 or 36 volts would normally not be in the starting/charging loop. They would be charged via a supplemental charger.

Not correct in this case.

off Kills kills all power it items powered by cranking battery.

#1 position is normal operating position for the main cranking battery. the switch should remain in this position for all normal fishing days.

#2 position is for jump starting your motor in case your cranking battery goes dead after a full day of fishing. It should never remain in this position, If it does it will cause possible electrolysis on the boat and cause your graph to have interference.

There should be a seperate breaker to the troll motor located elsewhere in that compartment. That breaker should be turned of when you are charging your troll motor batteries. If this is not done you may cause problems with your troll motor. Especially if it is any kind of I-pilot.

There should be a wiring diagram in your boat or on line somewhere.

[187famous187]

Thank you for the explanation. A couple things:

I do have a separate 60A breaker for my trolling motor, it’s between the motor and first battery. It works correctly.

The #1 position on the switch goes directly to one of my trolling motor batteries.

The #2 position on the switch goes to the positive bus bar, which powers my engine, power poles, and all my electronics.

The #1&2 combined position on the switch goes directly to the cranking battery.

Every ground wire is connected to the negative bus bar.

So, while normally fishing, I would turn the breaker on to my troller and keep the switch in position #2, correct?

Is the #1&2 position for jump starting if the cranking battery gets low?

Is there ever a reason to have the switch in pos #1?

thanks!

[Bradrodfish]

Check the diagram below.
Off is suppose to kill all boat power except the troll motor. Position 1 is usually for normal operation where the cranking battery is isolated from the troll motor battery. Position 2 is when you need to jump start the cranking battery if it get low after a long day of fishing. It is only suppose to be in position 2 for that period and then when you get your motor started switch back to position 1. The negative wire on the cranking battery should be connected directly to the last battery in the chain for the troll motor. If it is a 24 volt then it is battery #2 . If it is a 36 volt then it will be the #3 battery. The positive side of that battery should go to the switch. as will the positive side of the cranking. The output the switch should go to the main motor and accessory power

[wmitch2]

[/QUOTE]

This is correct with the exception of there should be a 60amp breaker in the line from the Pos on the first battery that goes to the Trolling Motor and then into a cut-off switch before going to the Trolling Motor.
What all connects to the Buss Bars ?
How many batteries do you have ?

[TXZ21]

I can tell you that switch in my 2017 Nitro Z21 was not wired correctly from the factory. The entire jump start system was wired wrong. Chased the issues for weeks before just removing the entire "jump start" system and installing a new standard master power switch, without any jump start BS.

[yam911]

Not correct in this case.

off Kills kills all power it items powered by cranking battery.

#1 position is normal operating position for the main cranking battery. the switch should remain in this position for all normal fishing days.

#2 position is for jump starting your motor in case your cranking battery goes dead after a full day of fishing. It should never remain in this position, If it does it will cause possible electrolysis on the boat and cause your graph to have interference.

There should be a seperate breaker to the troll motor located elsewhere in that compartment. That breaker should be turned of when you are charging your troll motor batteries. If this is not done you may cause problems with your troll motor. Especially if it is any kind of I-pilot.

There should be a wiring diagram in your boat or on line somewhere.

Which is why I prefaced my comments with "In a typical configuration".

Strange to me use of a battery switch. But so it goes. I have learned something today.

[Bradrodfish]

This is correct with the exception of there should be a 60amp breaker in the line from the Pos on the first battery that goes to the Trolling Motor and then into a cut-off switch before going to the Trolling Motor.
What all connects to the Buss Bars ?
How many batteries do you have ?[/QUOTE]

Buss bar is typically used to connect all neg wires, but I have seen positive buss bars also.
My ranger has both under the console. It makes it easy to connect added accessories.

[tlefire]

Which is why I prefaced my comments with "In a typical configuration".

Strange to me use of a battery switch. But so it goes. I have learned something today.

Me too......but if you think about it, not a bad idea. Leave the jumper cables or jump box at home and just flip a switch.