Grounding the hull of an aluminum boat

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I'm a real novice when it comes to boat electronics and wiring. I have learned however that any of my electronics ie lights, radio, etc should be wired directly to the battery vs using a negative ground in my aluminium boat. Recently I upgraded my outboard to an electric start 25 hp 2001 mercury and now I find that my outboard is "negatively" grounded to the boat hull. I found this out while connecting the postive battery terminal (after the negative terminal was connected) to the postive lead of the motor and the wrench I used happened to touch the hull and sparked - just like it would in a car. I've received conflicting opinions -the latest of which came from the marine mechanic who sold me the motor, who told me this was completely normal and unless my boat was in the water next to an older boat that had a "positive" ground it shouldn't result in any problem/corrsoioin to the hull. I continue to have all my other electonics wired directly to the same battery and do not use the boat as a ground for anything.
Question: Is this normal ? Will I experience any problem ?
Thanks. Rob V.

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Topic - Grounding the hull of an aluminum boat - Rob V 10:34:06 04/19/04 (0)

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