Just for reference, the issue is called a Parasitic Draw. This is when something(s) are still drawing power even when the key is turned off and it can apply to anything that uses can key/ignition.
I just installed that same switch on my boat and had intermittent power issues that I fought for 2 days, Turned out it was those 4 screws on the back that hold the white part in place were loose a bit causing intermittent connection. Make sure you check them!
Interesting you say that because ever since I put this on my boat I have had odd issues. Radio blew fuse. Docking lights blew a fuse. Replaced fuse, they worked fine then stopped again. Other lights are fine. I had planned to do some troubleshooting this weekend so I will definitely check those, thanks!
No specific reason actually, but a good question. I had experienced ground fault shorts that drained the battery so I decided to disconnect the ground to address that problem. After shorting my solenoid this weekend (while the disconnect was off) I think I may switch it to the positive side. Thanks for the input!
@@captainandmissunderstood The switch has to be on the positive side,, switching the neg does nothing because damp wires can act as a ground and still drain your battery,,
@Mitch Fallik Thank you for commenting. Other videos showed the (+) side, and then he shows (-)side. Totally confused me until I started reading through comments like yours.
Your video was so helpful! Thank you. Question- did you reattach the back plastic plate before mounting on the boat? Also, did you screw into the metal on the side of the boat to attach?
So glad it helped you! Yes I did reattach the back to the switch before use. I have not attached it to the side of the boat yet because there is upholstery there that I did not want to puncture. I am working on rearranging the whole setup so I can attach it to an appropriate location, probably the very back.
@@captainandmissunderstood they make so many sizes of stepped bits. Just get the narrow ones so each step is only a 1/16th step. Also works amazing on fiberglass to stop Chipping
@@captainandmissunderstood they are definitely a necessity for this type of work. I’m a commercial construction superintendent and picked this tool tip up from my electricians. My Bayliner Capri also has a battery(brand new) that goes dead regularly and I am about to do this hack for sure.
Nice pontoon boat. We miss ours. Unfortunately due to spinal surgery my boating is off limits. May you have smooth water.
I've had back surgery too but fortunately it hasn't affected my ability to go boating.
The switch has to be on the positive side,, switching the neg does nothing because damp wires can act as a ground and still drain your battery,,
I did end up switching it over to the + side!
It works on positive only. 🤪
Just for reference, the issue is called a Parasitic Draw.
This is when something(s) are still drawing power even when the key is turned off and it can apply to anything that uses can key/ignition.
That's exactly why I installed this disconnect...if I let it sit too long the battery would need to be charged even though the key was out.
I just installed that same switch on my boat and had intermittent power issues that I fought for 2 days, Turned out it was those 4 screws on the back that hold the white part in place were loose a bit causing intermittent connection. Make sure you check them!
Interesting you say that because ever since I put this on my boat I have had odd issues. Radio blew fuse. Docking lights blew a fuse. Replaced fuse, they worked fine then stopped again. Other lights are fine. I had planned to do some troubleshooting this weekend so I will definitely check those, thanks!
What size socket for the 2 nuts holding the wires to the switch?
My apologies, I just saw this comment. I dont recall but I will post that as soon as I can. Thanks for watching!
Why did you chose to discount the negative side vs the positive side?
No specific reason actually, but a good question. I had experienced ground fault shorts that drained the battery so I decided to disconnect the ground to address that problem. After shorting my solenoid this weekend (while the disconnect was off) I think I may switch it to the positive side. Thanks for the input!
@@captainandmissunderstood The switch has to be on the positive side,, switching the neg does nothing because damp wires can act as a ground and still drain your battery,,
@@mitchfallik5321 Thanks for the input. I ended up moving it over to the Positive side. I will be updating the video/description to reflect this!
@Mitch Fallik Thank you for commenting. Other videos showed the (+) side, and then he shows (-)side. Totally confused me until I started reading through comments like yours.
Your video was so helpful! Thank you.
Question- did you reattach the back plastic plate before mounting on the boat? Also, did you screw into the metal on the side of the boat to attach?
So glad it helped you!
Yes I did reattach the back to the switch before use. I have not attached it to the side of the boat yet because there is upholstery there that I did not want to puncture. I am working on rearranging the whole setup so I can attach it to an appropriate location, probably the very back.
My brain went dead after watching this. Lol
Hopefully your brain came back to life. Thank you for watching!!
Any update how is it working out
This has been a life saver! It works great and has kept my battery fully charged every time I've used it. I just wish I had done it sooner!
Sorry to see all this runaround. For something so simple......wow.
It's all about educating people to do these simple things themselves.
Positive in positive out! 🤷🏼
Pity your wire is already corroded. It was black instead of shiny copper or better still tinned copper
Use a step drill for big box store
I have one now but didn't when I shot this video. Thanks for the suggestion! Keep 'em coming!
You need a stepped drill bit
yeah a step bit may have worked but could have resulted in too large an opening due to the size of the ring terminal.
@@captainandmissunderstood they make so many sizes of stepped bits. Just get the narrow ones so each step is only a 1/16th step. Also works amazing on fiberglass to stop Chipping
use a file to open up the terminal, not a drill.
Great info!Thank you for your comment and watching.
Lol or just cut those off and put the right size lugs on. 😅
Should've used a unibit!
At the time I didn't have one. I do now though!
@@captainandmissunderstood they are definitely a necessity for this type of work. I’m a commercial construction superintendent and picked this tool tip up from my electricians. My Bayliner Capri also has a battery(brand new) that goes dead regularly and I am about to do this hack for sure.
Your drill is in reverse
Optical illusion...you can tell by the direction the wire jumps that it's turning correctly.
Wow, it definitely looks like it's spinning backwards the more times I watch it but that makes sense. My mistake.
LMFAO........😝
I am glad he is not a brain surgeon.
Me too...I drink too much beer and spend more time boating that that job would allow!
Hahah. U did a super confusing video and then wired it wrong. Why would I post this?
If you think this is bad, follow me for more random bad ideas and the occasional genius!
This poor guy is not very smart…..
Keep watching my videos to see all the stupid stuff I do 😂
@@captainandmissunderstood OMG the stupid crap I've done through the years on boats,,,lol glad I'm still here to talk about them,,,
@@mitchfallik5321 lol me too. I’m working through one of them now and am glad I’m here and my boat is still floating!
Well we are all waiting for your video