What is this?

[Darlin Powell]

I just purchased my first boat a week ago.
A 1991 Sea ray 185 open bow.
Runs great. Brought it home and noticed this wire laying next.to the battery..what is it??

 

[dvx216]

Its 12 volt power for something . It looks like a add on. It has a 20 amp fuse so something of load size maybe a audio amp. Is there anything on the boat that doesn't work.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Bilge pump?
Not many things go directly to battery. Bilge pump is one.

 

[BlueYonder]

Maybe a battery charger connection?

 

[b_arrington]

Its 12 volt power for something . It looks like a add on. It has a 20 amp fuse so something of load size maybe a audio amp. Is there anything on the boat that doesn't work.

Agree it looks like an aftermarket connection to something.

As such, there's really no way for us to know what it's for. The owner is going to have to either trace it out to the device, or connect it and see if something that was off is now powered. 20A fuse is pretty hefty for whatever its for. I can't really tell the wire gauge from the photo, but I wonder if it's sized properly (undersized)?

 

[boatrboy]

IIRC - My 270 had the mercathode direct to one of the batteries and I had to replace the that fuse holder.

 

[Hoplite808]

Follow the wire to its other end to see what it plugs in to.

 

[Kendii]

Its 12 volt power for something . It looks like a add on. It has a 20 amp fuse so something of load size maybe a audio amp. Is there anything on the boat that doesn't work.

Alright, so you've got this 12-volt power thing on your boat with a 20 amp fuse, and you're thinking it could be for an audio amp or something like that. Now, to figure out what's up, let's try a couple of things:

First, take a good look around your boat. Check if there are any audio systems or other gadgets that could be connected to that 12-volt power source. Keep an eye out for any loose cables or wires that aren't hooked up to anything.

Next, see if anything audio-related isn't working properly. Test your speakers, head units, or any other audio equipment you've got on board. If something's acting up, that could be a clue that the 12-volt power is meant for an audio amp.

If you're still scratching your head, it might be time to call in the experts. Reach out to a marine electrician or someone who knows their stuff when it comes to boat electronics. They'll have the know-how to figure out what's going on and help you out.

 

[dvx216]

Don't over look 12 volt lighter style outlets. Check the fuse see if it's blown.

 

[Timeflys]

How about talking to previous owner and see if he knows what it is?