My boat has a single (ON/OFF) Perko that controls the cranking battery. Probably a dumb question but do I need to turn it off between trips? It seems like if there's nothing pulling power from the battery it wouldn't make any difference?

I was an English major. Please be kind ...

Thanks,

Steve

I do on mine. If I don't the battery will go down in 3-4 days even though the main switch on the dash is off. Only thing I can figure is somehow the engine control module is still powered even though the ignition is off and maybe this is drawing current. I could check this with my multi meter if I wasn't so lazy. For now I just flip the Perko master and it's all dead.

If the motor is the only thing on the cranking battery, there is no current draw unless the key is turned on. If there are other devices on it such as a radio that uses a constant voltage to retain memory settings, then there will be a drain on the battery.

you will NEVER say "man I wish I hadn't turned that stupid switch off"

Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback.

Talons draw milliamps when hooked up. Ethernet also. If you have these they draw unless you have them switched separately. I have Talon direct to battery & pull the 3 amp blade fuse when not in use. I also ran independent wires from battery to Ethernet & Depthfinders to lessen interference. I have switch for them. I WILL install a single point Perko power switch to eliminate all draw. Simple one switch when ready to go.

The point of a Perko is to isolate the battery from any current/amp draw. You can also use them to combine power with your trolling motor batteries in the event your starter battery is weak.

My bay boat has one. Has saved me more than once.

My boat's been rewired so many times the battery dies in 3-4 days unless we turn the main bus off. Every time I take the deck off I pull out another pound of old disconnected wires. Now I charge and can go out a couple months later and it cranks right up.