Newbie learns- Dead battery

[Westwind]

Well, this newbie learned a lesson today. I had my boat delivered Thursday. The dealer took me out and showed me the ropes. We covered her up and left. I went there this afternoon and realized we had the left the depth finder on and had a dead battery. I switched over to the other battery and she started up fine but I didn't take her out today. We talking about a 1995 SeaRay Sundancer 250, 5.7 Mercruiser. Is it safe to go out tomorrow with the one good battery? Will the other one charge as I run tomorrow? Any chance hooking up to dockside power charges the batteries? Or do I need to hook up a battery charger? PLEASE don't tell me I shouldn't take her out tomorrow!<br /><br />P.S. I shut the batteries to off before I left today and will continue to do so. Thanks.

 

[Mercury140-I6]

Re: Newbie learns- Dead battery

You should be fine taking her out tomorrow. After starting it up and warming it up, switch the batery selector to "Both" That way the motor will charge it while you play, just don't start on both, I heard that it is too much voltage and could burn up the starter (Not sure if that is true or not though, someone will correct me if I am in error).<br /><br /> http://www.myfishingpictures.com/showphoto.php?photo=13002&sort=7&thecat=500&password= <br /><br />Craig

 

[Catchem]

Re: Newbie learns- Dead battery

Never heard that starting on both batteries can cause a problem with starter.Interesting to see what the experts say here.Start mine on both batteries all the time and never had a problem.(yet)

 

[TPD211]

Re: Newbie learns- Dead battery

Ummm,<br /><br />ONLY switch the selector if you know for sure it has a battery isolator installed.<br /><br />Set it to BOTH before you start if you are not sure.<br /><br />Switching the battery selector with no isolator installed will fry the charging circuit in the motor.

 

[cuzner]

Re: Newbie learns- Dead battery

The reason you have 2 batteries is so you can start with 1 dead. Always switch to use one battery when overniting,or docking.Turn switch off when boat is being trailered.Remove batteries when storing for winter.Keep selector on both when engine is running to charge.If your selector is in engine compartment,you may want to move switch to a bulkhead under one of your rear seats so you don't have to tear up your carpet to open hatch everytime.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[Solittle]

Re: Newbie learns- Dead battery

I am not a fan of using the BOTH selection particularly when you have one battery that is charged and one very low. When batteries are connected together they tend to equalize the charge between the two - - so if one battery is low or bad it will drain the charge out of the "good" battery. Best to keep both charged fo course.<br /><br />I would try to start your motor with the fully charged battery. It should start with no problem. When the motor is warm, turn it off and switch to the low battery. Unless is is dead it should start the motor. Leave it set this way so the full output of the alternator will go to the low battery thus charging it to the max that your alternator will put out.<br /><br />When I go out I use one battery for the going out and the other for the comming back. I run twin outboards but that should make no difference.