12 Gauge wire to Hummingbird 800 series help with voltage drop/unit shut off?

This topic has 9 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 2 months ago by somata.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

Author

Posts
April 6, 2017 at 3:06 pm #353095

somata
Participant

Ive been having some issues with my units shutting off when I fire up the big motor throughout the day on my 2011 Sabre FTD. Both units are 800 series Humminbirds (ones an 858DI/HD the other is an 898 SI). Battery is an Interstate XHD-31 series that is less than a year old. Doesnt happen until the voltage drops a bit through the day, and doesnt happen every time. It mostly happens with the bow unit, which Im pretty sure is tied into the boats power, not run direct to the battery. So my plan is to re-run 12 gauge wire from the battery to the console, and to the bow. Should that help with voltage drop off? Im adding a 2nd unit up front (another 898 SI) along with a 360, so I want to take care of it all at once while I have the wire running gear out and hands covered with fiberglass cuts… Where would the bow unit power be tied into from the factory on my 2011? Is there a subpanel at the console, or is it tied into the panel in the back of the boat?2011 Sabre FTD w/ Mercury 150 Pro XS, Power Pole Sportsman 2s, Humminbird 898 w/ 360 and 858 at bow, 898 at ConsoleFor lots of BCB love, follow me on instagram: @professorbeard

April 6, 2017 at 3:15 pm #353100

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Its probably not the wiring. Its probably a battery going bad or not big enough to handle the load youre putting on it. JMHO.

April 6, 2017 at 4:26 pm #353105

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Shorten the battery lead to power cord and solder a connection between the power cord and the wiring connection. They use 18-20 gauge wire and it simply is too small and the connections can be a problem as a result. BCB

April 6, 2017 at 4:40 pm #353108

Redngoo
Participant

The wire upgrade kit basscat sell is the ticket. 6 gauge to the console and 10 to the bow. Eliminated all my voltage drop. I average 12.5 to 12.7 volt to all my units. If you order I would suggest measuring the amount of 6 and 10 you need and call parts .2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury

April 6, 2017 at 7:18 pm #353112

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Follow these steps.

April 6, 2017 at 8:01 pm #353116

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Redngoo, We have seen that continue to be an issue on units from battery source and from the size and connection of the power cord. We do feel that is a great step in solving that issue, or we would not offer it. Still the ultimate issue really is the power cable size and unit connections. They are very small for the power requirement and the bottom end of the chain from the power source. BCB

April 6, 2017 at 9:21 pm #353120

Redngoo
Participant

Bass Cat Boats wrote:Redngoo, We have seen that continue to be an issue on units from battery source and from the size and connection of the power cord. We do feel that is a great step in solving that issue, or we would not offer it. Still the ultimate issue really is the power cable size and unit connections. They are very small for the power requirement and the bottom end of the chain from the power source. BCB After seeing my results from the upgrade I highly recommend doing the wire upgrade. I also recommend the yellow handle breaker even if you currently have one. My units are on a circuit by themselves. I even use the inline fuses as well. With the constant rising cost of these units one really cant afford not to maintain the correct voltage and protection.2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury

April 6, 2017 at 10:55 pm #353124

catdude28
Participant

Direct wiring to the battery, or purchasing the upgrade unit from BCB with the block should resolve your issue. BCB is now using that upgrade unit in the premium boats to eliminate issues like this down the road. If you go direct, dont forget to fuse each unit at the battery, and run both positive and negative to the battery. 12 or 10 gauge. Of course, this is assuming that your Interstate battery is good. Might want to verify that first, even though it is only a year old.

April 7, 2017 at 10:22 am #353128

wjh
Participant

I was having the same issue on my Sabre. I then ran wire direct to battery from bow, with inline fuse, and has been fine ever since. Problem solved.

April 8, 2017 at 11:52 pm #353131

somata
Participant

Battery is good…let it sit for a few hours and it still read 12.7. I have lots of the original power cable from each unit coiled up, going to run some 10 gauge (went back and got the heavier) and wire them direct and cut down the cables. Thinking about doing a sub panel for the front to make it easier to hook up the 2 units and 360 when I get it. Suggestions for a good 4 input pannel? Prob mount it way front in the starboard locker…2011 Sabre FTD w/ Mercury 150 Pro XS, Power Pole Sportsman 2s, Humminbird 898 w/ 360 and 858 at bow, 898 at ConsoleFor lots of BCB love, follow me on instagram: @professorbeard
Author

Posts

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login Register