What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

[Navy Jr.]

If the battery dies and you need to trim the motor up, is there some kind of manual override for it? We're talking about a Merc 115hp 4-stroke outboard that weighs 400 lbs.

If no manual override, is it possible to connect one of the two on-board trolling motor batteries to the dead battery with jumper cables?

Maybe this belongs in Stupid Human Tricks, but I left the key in the ignition in the "Run" position (there's "Off," "Run," and "Start") after checking the fuel gauge in the garage 2 days ago. Battery died. Took it out and had it charged at a local garage.

The motor is trimmed down when the boat is in the garage. Can't tow with it down or the lower unit will get ruined. This incident made me think of what my alternatives would be if I needed to get the boat with a dead battery to the servicing dealer. -Ken

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

The obvious solution is to not leave the key in the run position, especially with an EFI/DFI engine. The ECM and other electronics stays energized all that time. But if you are the forgetful type, carry a jump start unit for such emergencies. And if you own a boat, you really need to buy a battery charger.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

And if you own a boat, you really need to buy a battery charger.

Gotta agree with this...

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

If no manual override, is it possible to connect one of the two on-board trolling motor batteries to the dead battery with jumper cables?

Sure

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

But if the trolling motor batteries have been sucked dry from a hard day of fishing, they won't help either.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

But if the trolling motor batteries have been sucked dry from a hard day of fishing, they won't help either.

For certian-
Back to the battery charger

 

[scipper77]

Re: What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

I understand that this is a what if type of a question but....

I find it hard to believe that you have 2 trolling motor batteries and no charger. Any 12 volt battery (charged) will move the trim. Car battery, lawn mower, trolling, etc...

If you don't mind me asking some questions, why did you take it to the shop to be charged? If the battery was left discharged with a load on it for 2 days it's probably toast. What do they charge to recharge a dead battery? How do you charge the trolling motor batteries?

I'm sorry if this post seems hostile, that's not my intent. I just feel like there is something amiss here.

And seriously, how much do they charge to recharge a dead battery?

I hope the shop doesn't try to take you for a ride on this one.

 

[brianvolt7]

Re: What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

Maybe I should go into the charging business $$$$$$$$.

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

I understand that this is a what if type of a question but....

I find it hard to believe that you have 2 trolling motor batteries and no charger. Any 12 volt battery (charged) will move the trim. Car battery, lawn mower, trolling, etc...

If you don't mind me asking some questions, why did you take it to the shop to be charged? If the battery was left discharged with a load on it for 2 days it's probably toast. What do they charge to recharge a dead battery? How do you charge the trolling motor batteries?

I'm sorry if this post seems hostile, that's not my intent. I just feel like there is something amiss here.

And seriously, how much do they charge to recharge a dead battery?

I hope the shop doesn't try to take you for a ride on this one.

The reason I don't have my own battery charger (yet) is the boat came new with an on-board charger for the trolling motor batteries, of which there are two. Those batteries are located under each side of the console, and the charger is located just forward on the port side. The main battery is located just ahead of the engine at deck level between the two rear jump seats.

I'm not sure how much time it took to completely discharge the main battery, but I discovered the problem within two days of the last time I used the boat.

The shop did not charge me anything for recharging the battery. When done, it read 12.2 volts on their charger. -Ken

 

[scipper77]

Re: What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

O.K. sounds reasonable to me.

P.S. I've left my key in the run position and drained my battery before also. Luckily I saw the dash light on in the morning and promptly recharged the battery.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

To answer your first question.."If the battery dies and you need to trim the motor up, is there some kind of manual override for it?"

The answer is yes..and you can find that kind of info in your manual.

No manual? Well, getting one would be a good place to start!

There are so many common sense directions given in todays motor manuals, you almost can't be without one. Get the factory one, or at least a Seloc...

On my Yamaha's there is a pressure release screw on the port side of the tilt/trim assy that will release the pressure and allow me to manually trim the motors up. It is also used to vent any air that may accumulate and let you purge the system.

Good luck with your other electrical problems. Also, 12.2 v is not the fully charged voltage for a 12v battery. It should be 12.6 v....

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

To answer your first question.."If the battery dies and you need to trim the motor up, is there some kind of manual override for it?"

The answer is yes..and you can find that kind of info in your manual.

No manual? Well, getting one would be a good place to start!

There are so many common sense directions given in todays motor manuals, you almost can't be without one. Get the factory one, or at least a Seloc...

On my Yamaha's there is a pressure release screw on the port side of the tilt/trim assy that will release the pressure and allow me to manually trim the motors up. It is also used to vent any air that may accumulate and let you purge the system.

Good luck with your other electrical problems. Also, 12.2 v is not the fully charged voltage for a 12v battery. It should be 12.6 v....

TriumphRick, thanks so much. Yes, the boat did come with a motor manual, and, yes indeed, I just found there is a paragraph that says to turn out the manual tilt release valve (screw) 3 turns counterclockwise. I missed the paragraph yesterday when scanning the manual; frankly, was a little flustered and wasn't sure what I was looking for. That page describing the screw valve now has a small Post-It flag on it.

Regarding the charged voltage on the battery, I recall the 12.2 volts was the reading I saw just before they decided to give it an extra 30 minutes of charge while I tended to an errand. I didn't actually see the final reading as the battery was out of the charger case ready for my pick up when I got back. I'm hoping that getting the boat out on the lake and running it a while will allow the motor's alternator to bring it up to where it belongs. Sound okay?

Regarding someone else's remark about keeping the trolling motor batteries charged, yes, they get refreshed by the on-board charger after every outing.

I was a newbie boater last year, so I still consider myself a newbie and will for many more years yet. From this experience, I have added a 12-foot long set of jumper cables to my collection (small bag) of tools on board, including a screwdriver that fits the tilt release screw. I'll eventually get a battery charger for the garage, but since the boating season is just about over now, that will most likely be a Xmas present or birthday gift. -Ken

 

[triumphrick]

Re: What if batt dies and need to trim motor?

Good for you..hope you didn't get too beat up over your post....

Someone had mentioned having a jumper box on board. If you have the room, they have saved me in the past when I found both batteries dead when out at sea.

I,too just got a battery tender to keep my duals up to snuff..of course there is a lot that can happen.

Sorry to hear about your boating season...