'

The yellow should be to 12 volts and can be tied into the ignition 12 volts.
is the low amperage to keep the presets. The red is to 12 volts and allows
the radio run power. The black is ground. Without the yellow the presets
go away. I just use the seek on my radio in the boat and do not use the
presets.

This would explain why the old cassette deck did not have a yellow
wire (just 12V red and black ground) since it was a dial button for
channel selection (no preset memory) and no clock display (so no need
for constant power). If I understand this correctly, does it mean
taht I could ignore the yellow wire entirely (on the new deck) as long
as I am willing to give up presets and accurate clock?

If I only connect the switched 12V red wire and since I am not
supposed to turn the ignition when the boat is not in the water
(currently in my garage) how would I know if the CD deck is working
properly (I am new to this boating business...just got my Bayliner
boat this weekend)?

Also would another option be to merge together the yellow and red wire
(from deck) and connect to red wire (from boat)? I suppose I could
install a on/off switch on the yellow wire (prior to the connecting
point) to shut the 12 volt power off if the boat is not used for an
extensive period of time...

Andre
Bayliner Capri 1850