How to wire a kicker

[Basilla]

Folks, I have a question about wiring up my 95 Yamaha 9.9 4 stroke high thrust kicker. The kicker has both electric start and the charging option.

My challenge is that my boat has two battery banks:
single cranking battery and two 6v house batteries. I have the usual battery switch and an isolator to stop the batteries from draining each other down.

In order to keep my battery cables down, what is the best way to connect the + wire for the kicker?
a) positive to terminal block where main starter motor is connected?
b) run a cable all the way to one of the battery banks?
c) none of the above - ok, so what?

My concern is whether the kicker motor charger will affect the main motor charger, especially if both engines are running.

I am planning to use 6 gauge wire if I can keep the run to less than 10'

Opinions and advice?

thanks,

 

[SeaFunMan]

I have the same motor. Suggest running cables from the motor directly to the battery bank that supplies power to your down riggers, this way the kicker is replacing the energy used by the riggers when the main engine is off. 6G wire is fine.

 

[Fishinnut]

SeaFun has it right. They really don't put out a ton of voltage, but does keep the batteries charged while downriggering. If need be you can put in a battery switch to change charging batteries, but really not worth it. They do work sweet.

 

[Basilla]

Thanks folks. I will keep it simple and wire the kicker directly to the battery bank that has the downriggers connected. I also know its dangerous to run both motors at once since you can easily fry your stator(s).

cheers,[^]