Key West Boats 2015 176BR, Quick Manual And Schematics, Page: 17 / 29

Electrical System
General Overview (176BR and 186BR)
The boat is equipped with a 12V DC Electrical system that can be equipped with an optional AC battery charger. The boat can only be rigged
for a single motor. If the boat is rigged without an optional battery selector switch, the boat will be rigged for x1 Group 24 battery. If the
battery selector switch is installed, the boat will be rigged for x2 Group 24 batteries. The battery(s) will provide power to the engine and
house systems.
12V power is distributed to the 12V factory installed systems through ATC fuses located on a fuse block inside the console. All 12V systems
are grounded via a single 10GA black wire attached directly to the negative post on the battery. A 30amp main circuit breaker is installed
adjacent to the battery/batteries to protect the house systems from overload and is connected either directly to the batteries or the optional
battery selector switch. Additional circuit breakers for the auto bilge pumps and stereo memory are wired directly to either the battery or
battery selector switch.
The system is designed so that turning the battery switch off will still allow the bilge pump to function in an automatic mode. Key West
recommends that boats that are going to be left in the water or in a boat lift, where access to the drain plug is not feasible, be installed with a
battery charger to prevent discharge by the bilge pump. Trim Tabs(186BR) are connected directly to the battery and feature overcurrent
protection. They do not energize until the engine ignition switch is turned to the “On” position.
Battery Selector Switch (Optional)
As an option, a battery selector switch can be installed. On the 176BR, the battery selector switch is installed adjacent to the
battery/batteries in the center transom locker, directly behind the leaning post. On the 186BR, the battery switch is installed adjacent to the
battery/batteries in the starboard transom locker. The battery switch provides power to the engine and 12V accessories. The switch is a
dual circuit switch and has 4 positions (OFF, 1, 2, Both). This allows power to be supplied by either battery 1, battery 2, or both
simultaneously. The switch also directs the charging current from the engines alternator.
If position “1”, is selected on the switch, the engine and 12V accessories will receive power from Battery 1 and the engine’s alternator will
charge Battery 1. Battery 2 will be isolated and in reserve. If position “2”, is selected on the switch, the engine and 12V accessories will
receive power from Battery 2 and the engine’s alternator will charge Battery 2. Battery 1 will be isolated and in reserve. If position “Both”
is selected, the switch connects the batteries in parallel and the engine and 12V accessories will receive power from both batteries. The
engine’s alternator will charge both batteries simultaneously as well. When the boat is underway, placing the switch in the “Both” position
is recommended so that both batteries charge. When the boat is moored (Engine Off) and 12V accessories are being used, it is
recommended to select position “1” or “2” so that one battery is isolated and can be used to crank the engine.