Just got a Mako center console and was hooking up new lowrance unit. When I was under the console I noticed another battery hookup. I have 2 batteries up front for the trolling motor and another in the back for starting. Anyone have a clue what these are under the console? TIA Mike

Trace the wires and see where they go

I've seen many CC with start battery located under console. May be a optional location hook up for that. Wire gauge size should give you a general idea.

Can't trace the wires as they go into the hull. Guess I can use a meter to check them.

T Bird is correct. I've actually seen CC configurations with all the batteries inside the console. It isn't such a bad idea, actually.

The battery station you found could be one of two starting battery mounts. The primary one is in the rear, where there is a main battery switch (BAT1, BAT2, BOTH, and OFF). The station inside the console could be for optional starting BAT2 if you find a BAT switch in the rear battery compartment. If you add a second battery, never run it on "BOTH" unless in an emergency situation where that's the only thing that WILL work (to get you started and back to the dock). For any given trip, start out using BAT1 or BAT2. This way, if something goes wrong and the battery becomes drained, only THAT battery is drained. You have the option to switch to the other (fresh) battery that you were not using to get the outboard cranked.

A lot of people are under the impression that "BOTH" is where they should run it. But, let's say your alternator quit on the outboard and you don't realize it. This will drain the battery as you run. After you shut down, the battery is too weak to crank the outboard again. If both batteries were connected, it can discharge both, and you have no good battery for starting. You want your backup battery charged and available, but not actively connected. Hence, the guidance to run either #1, or #2. "Both" puts the two in parallel. This can give the most amps, should both batteries be at a low level. Both together might start it where one would not.

When I crewed on a saltwater boat, we ran on #1 some days, and on #2 other days. This helped insure both stayed charged (since we tended to run a lot of outboard hours).

It appears the console battery is original power supply for the trolling motor up front. PO installed holders for 2 batteries under front deck. Fuel tank vent is in that area. Believe I'll vent those fumes outside before I install batteries there.

Thanks all for your input! See you on the lake! Mike

I have a Champion bass boat that has all three batteries and the fuel tank in the same compartment. I have often thought that might not be a good idea, but it has been that way since 1992 and has not blown up yet.

Wayne

^this^ plus that compartment is vented

If proper marine ignition-proof switches (thinking battery cut-off here), and breakers are installed in the boat's equipment compartment, the fact that the batteries are in with the fuel tank isn't a major risk. An "ignition-proof" switch or breaker is one that is designed to NOT release any arc or spark to the atmosphere that would ignite fumes or otherwise start a fire or cause an explosion. This is why you should not install improper components in such areas.

My bluewave has T M batteries under the console , starting battery back at the transom.

I was told the owners of bluewave , their boats did not like a lot of weight up front.


MO

my Ranger was the same. No problems over 30 years. My CC has all 3 batteries in the console. They can be a real PIA to change but one advantage is if the starting battery dies for some reason i can slide a TM battery over to replace it. The Champ seems to like the weight in the middle. The only complaint i have about the Champ is the size of the opening. It is tough to get 2 arms in there.

Yep, bilge diving on a Champ is a PITA. I just installed a new thru hull transducer and new bilge pump. Access is not easy.

Wayne