new dead battery

[1shooter]

A little over a month ago I replaced my 2002 starting battery as it was dead. I tried charging it but when I went to use it a couple days later it was dead. I charged it one more time and took it out the next day and it was dead.

Didn't really think much about it as the battery was the original that came with my 2002 boat. I bought the new one and put it on a 2 amp charger for a day then in the boat. I used the boat a week later for only about half hour and had no issues. The boat then sat for 3 weeks and went to use it and the battery was dead. I checked everything and I didnt leave anything on. I also always disconnect the GPS so it doesnt drain the battery.

I haven't done anything to the boat this year except add a bow sonar that is wired directly into the fuse buss. This unit is also disconnected when not in use.

The boat is a 02 crestliner with a 150 optimax.

Is it possible I got a bad battery or does anyone have any ideas?

[PRD1]

It is very possible you got a bad battery, had it happen this spring; new battery that would not take a fill charge. It is also possible that given you only charged it for 24 hours at 2 amps that it was not fully charged initially. Using the boat for a half hour even if you were running the outboard the full time would not add much and if just starting and running a short distance then fishing with accessories on the net result was a battery in a lesser state of charge than you started.

You should get a hydrometer and check the batteries condition (check each cell), then charge it (at least two days at 2@) and see if it comes up to a full charge. If not take it back so they can load test the battery and exchange it if defective.

[VernH]

Having two batteries go bad in that short a period of time is unusual. There must still be a drain somewhere.

If you are using the Lowrance external GPS puck, simple disconnecting it from the display unit doesn't remove the drain on the battery. The power supplied to the NMEA2000 network is still active and runnig the receiver and needs to be removed. (Yup you've probably already checked that. I mentioned it just in case you forgot that over the winter. I'm always forgetting stuff I don't use daily.)

[1shooter]

I'm going to have he battery tested today. I have a feeling I am getting a drain form somewhere but don't where to start.

I also disconnect the GPS module.

[Jimmy Jig]

After charging the battery, shut everything off, then remove the postive cables from the battery. Then touch the positive cables to the post and see if you get any spark when doing it. If you do something is still drawing curent.

[VernH]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Jig

After charging the battery, shut everything off, then remove the postive cables from the battery. Then touch the positive cables to the post and see if you get any spark when doing it. If you do something is still drawing curent.

Good idea.

Does the Optimax draw power just sitting there? Maybe in years past you used it enough to keep it charged.

My Evinrude (Suzuki 4 stroke) motor will drain down the starting battery in about 1 month (per the manual) unless disconnected. I wired in a main disconnect switch to shut everything off.

[blueicecpa]

the ecu computers draws power, I hasve a switch to shut everything off!


I have a "House Battery " For my Electronic's

[1shooter]

Originally Posted by VernH

Good idea.

Does the Optimax draw power just sitting there? Maybe in years past you used it enough to keep it charged.

My Evinrude (Suzuki 4 stroke) motor will drain down the starting battery in about 1 month (per the manual) unless disconnected. I wired in a main disconnect switch to shut everything off.

I'm sure it does but I can tell you that in the fall time of the year my boat has set for well over a month with no issue.

I just had it tested and it was fine. I will give it a good charge and see what happens.

[perchjerker]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Jig

After charging the battery, shut everything off, then remove the postive cables from the battery. Then touch the positive cables to the post and see if you get any spark when doing it. If you do something is still drawing curent.

dont try this!!!

you are risking an explosion if you happen to have gases from the battery escaping expecially after charging...probably wont but dont take the chance... It wont tell you anything anyway, most electronics on your boats have capacitors in them and when you touch the terminal like suggested it will draw current because its charging them up. And you always want to connect the positive terminal first and the negative last anyway...

Have it tested using an ammeter.

[VernH]

Originally Posted by 1shooter

I'm sure it does but I can tell you that in the fall time of the year my boat has set for well over a month with no issue.

I just had it tested and it was fine. I will give it a good charge and see what happens.

I'm guessing that PRD1 was right then. Your two amp charger didn't get it fully charged.

Keep us posted.