Thanks all, about to go out and look at it again. I appreciate the comments.
It is wired directly to the battery, #12 tinned marine grade wire with ring terminals to the battery terminals. It has been this way for probably 10 years now so it is not a new installation but I have heard the same about the direct wiring.

Is there a way to check the box without a coil? I am thinking putting a multimeter on the low voltage terminals, should I see something when it triggers?