[OspreyVic]

Putershark

Your suggestions sent me in the right direction. Here is what we think solved the problem.

We were using the wrong size wire at two critical places. Our bad for doing a bad install job, so we have no one to blame but ourselves.

The wire going from the “House” Blue Sea Systems Mini Battery Switch to the Blue Sea Systems MAXI Fuse Block with a 40 Amp MAXI Fuse was only a 10 AWG Marine Grade Wire.

And, the wire going from the Blue Sea Systems MAXI Fuse Block to the Blue Sea Systems 12 position with ground ATO/ATC fuse block was only a 10 AWG Marine Grade Wire.

We replaced both of these wires with size 6 AWG Marine Grade Wire.

As you had suggested, we were starving the Icom M502A of power. Without the power it required, we could not transmit. Sure, we could turn off equipment if we wanted to use the radio, but that was not a good solution.

We have only tested this on one day, Friday June 9, 2006 while out trying to catch those elusive Tarpon. We were in Boca Grande Pass with around thirty other boats for over four hours. It was an outgoing tide and we had live crabs for bait, and while we had a few nibbles, we failed to catch a Tarpon. It was still great fun being with my son before he heads off to Florida State in Tallahassee. It was pure joy watching the Tarpon jump and play in large groups. The radio never failed us, so we believe the problem is solved.

Thanks for your guidance and suggestions. They sure pointed us in the right direction.