Coil radio connection?

When I was out on the lake last week I killed the engine and just wanted to have the radio on.

However,

If I turn the ignition (breaker/switch) off it kills the radio. When I turn it on I think the coil is energized. I put the multimeter on the posts of the coil with the ignition on and I was getting 6V.

I'm slightly confused why its 6 and not 12V and wondering of the radio is wired improperly. I don't want my coil energized while km just floating along.

Ideas?

Chris

I definitely could and probably will. I was just wondering if there was a reason for the way it is now. Based on how the radio was wired when I got the dash open, I wouldn't be surprised if the PO just picked the ignition switch at random.

Frankenotter wrote: I definitely could and probably will. I was just wondering if there was a reason for the way it is now. Based on how the radio was wired when I got the dash open, I wouldn't be surprised if the PO just picked the ignition switch at random.

I think this is pretty much standard practice. The radio has to get powered someplace and it's normally through the ignition switch unless you have some accessory switches. My boat was wired that way.
I didn't have any accessory switches to wire it to so I opted for a new ignition switch with an ACC setting like your car has. My radio is wired through that ACC position now and I can listen to it without powering the ignition system.

Thanks eddy, good to know you've done this as well.

Ill take some pictures and post them here for others next time I get to the boat.

Cheers!