Electrical Issue – Feedback Appreciated

[Colecacola]

I have a 2004 Larson SEI Ski and Fish with a 150 Optimax. It always has run/performed flawlessly, until... While parked outside overnight at the lake (on the trailer with the snap cover on) we received about four inches of rain. The next morning, I removed the cover and saw a small portion of the carpet was damp (stern/starboard). I turned on the bilge pump (I had inserted the drain plug the night before – darn) and it was dead. I removed the drain plug and water ran for about one minute. Then, upon further examination, the gauges worked (fuel, amps, trim, etc.), but all the dash functions (aerator, lights, bilge, horn, etc.) were dead. However, the 150 Optimax’s trim worked (the main trim switch – not the trim switch from the tolling motor panel). The main battery was at 11 amps. The two trolling motor batteries were also charged and working. I checked fuses under the dash, and all were working, as well.

I’ve looked over the wiring, and from my limited electrical knowledge, nothing jumped out as “broken.”

Before I take it to the dealer, is there anything else that I should look for? There was not an excessive amount of water in the boat, so perhaps the water was a coincidence.

[Tim_Kelly]

The battery's flat at 11 volts. Should read more like 12.5 volts. Try charging it and see if stuff starts working again. Some things are more sensitive to voltage than others.

[Jerryv]

You may have an auto bilge pump that is plugged or bad. The float switch turned it on and the pump drew current until the battery went dead without pumping out the water. Charge the battery and test the pump.

Jerry

[REW]

Cole,
I agree that 11 volts indicates a pretty dead battery.
But, the fact that part of the dash works and part does not work could indicate a further issue.

1. Charge the battery and check things again.
2. If you find that only part of the dash is working look at the master switch to see if the switch or fuse to the AUX circuits has either bad or corroded contacts, or if the switch or fuse is bad - if either the switch or fuse is present.

Good luck
REW

[Flyin' Ryan]

Originally Posted by REW

Cole,
I agree that 11 volts indicates a pretty dead battery.
But, the fact that part of the dash works and part does not work could indicate a further issue.

1. Charge the battery and check things again.
2. If you find that only part of the dash is working look at the master switch to see if the switch or fuse to the AUX circuits has either bad or corroded contacts, or if the switch or fuse is bad - if either the switch or fuse is present.

Good luck
REW

X2. That voltage isn't enough to be useful; although I don't think the gadgets in your boat are high tech enough to not respond to low voltage. One at a time you should hear them make at least an attempt I think.