2007-07-10 01:35:03 · 6 answers · asked by rads92 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
It starts fine and after a few hours on the lake it will not start. We do listen to the stereo while we are out there but I don't think that after 3 hours it should die. I do start the boat up occasionally and go skiing in that time frame.
2007-07-10 01:48:12 · update #1
could be a number of things. First an old battery that may have a bad cell. Second, you have a fantom load (something running that shouldnt be) or a short somewhere thats drawing down your power via a resistance load by producing a shunt and making heat. Charge the battery and then take the battery to a marine supply or auto store and they can put a tester on it.
You mentioned using the stereo. Personally, I have two battery banks on my boat. One is a dedicated starting battery and the second is a bank of three deep cycle batteries for running things like the stereo, lights and other electronics while the engine is off. I have a switch to go from house to starting battery and it also combines them. I usually put it on combine when I start the engine and while the engine is running so that it charges both banks, then switch to just the house batteries when the engine is off and I need power. This way I know that I have a fresh battery that will always start the engine.
2007-07-10 20:51:01 · answer #1 · answered by Mike 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How old is the battery? What do you have hooked up? (depth finder, accessories, trolling motor etc..) The battery may be old and after a while it won't hold a charge like a newer battery. If you have too much running offf of it and it is not large enough to handle the load it could also be causing your problem. Finally, it may be a short in your wiring. If power is not "cut" it could cause a drain on your battery everytime you think you have it shut off. Try disconnecting the battery after using your boat and see how it is after you use it the next time.
2007-07-10 08:48:39 · answer #2 · answered by Joe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check battery for distilled water level. With the motor running place a volt meter across both battery terminals. You should see a bare minimum of 13.5 to a high of 14 volts. If not your charging system needs service.
We don't know "if" your boat has a charging system.
If in doubt. With your (automatic)* battery charger on 2 amps. charge for four hrs. The newly charged battery should show a bare minimum of 12.5 volts using your volt meter. They are available everywhere: Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, hardware, automotive and high price Fluke testers at electrical supply stores.
If a new battery does not fully charge back in 4 hrs @ 2 amps get the worthless battery replaced as there must be an internal short or a bad cell. Look for a deep cycle battery for your boat purposes
2007-07-10 08:56:43 · answer #3 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like your battery has a weak cell. The only solution is to buy a new battery.
2007-07-10 09:09:55 · answer #4 · answered by monasowner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without any information you'll never get an accurate answer.
2007-07-10 08:38:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it an outboard engine or I/O engine?
2007-07-10 10:17:44 · answer #6 · answered by gejandsons 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋