Capt,

Yep, I got 'em that way on my Ariel, both aft lowers wired in to the system. Don't know if it helps, but doesn't seem to hurt either. HOWEVER, I did used to have a #10 wire connected from the system to my starboard thru hull seacock (bronze). First year in my new marina, and I saw etching on the outer seacock plate when we pulled the boat that winter, so I removed the wire and have had no trouble since. "Hot" marina, I guess, as it went for forty years with no etching. Just for sh*ts and giggles, I also put in a battery disconnect switch each for the motor and the system, and I open both when I leave the boat.

A few years ago, lightning did hit #199 at the dock, but only toasted the radio and fused the "on" switch, which drained my new battery, and I replaced both. No further damage. THAT'S when I put the disconnect switches in.

Carry on...
Dan