Humminbird hook-up help

[gunning]

This week, I will be installing a depth finder for the first time. I know you can hook it up to the fuse box or run leads to your trolling motor batteries. I have heard its best to hook it up to the fuse box but I don't want to screw up the electrical system for the rest of the boat. I was cleaning out my boat today and took a look at the fuse box and have a few questions.

1. I have a few open spots on the fuse box does it matter which slot I use.

2. There isn't a grounding bar on the fuse box from what I can tell. How should I ground the wire, will anything metal work? There are plenty of screws and metal pieces under the console i could possibly run the ground it to the hull but I would have to cut the carpet to it.

3. If you were me would you just run leads to the trolling motor battery with an in-line fuse. Which way do you prefer to hook-up your electronics.

[Northlander]

To the starting battery with a inline fuse. Or a extra battery with just electronics, lights etc.

[PerchJerker]

To the starting battery with a inline fuse. Or a extra battery with just electronics, lights etc.

I agree - the fuse box would work but I think the better way to go is to the battery.

[gunning]

Is there a reason to run it to the starting battery over the trolling motor battery

[steffanf]

Is there a reason to run it to the starting battery over the trolling motor battery

Interference on the sonar when running the trolling motor is a common occurance if you connect it to the trolling motor battery...

[dudewheresmyboat]

i've seen one case where the dealer hooked up the fish finder to tm battery and it would turn on and not operate than it would shut off automatically.