Help with Dual Batteries

blang008

Cadet
Joined
Nov 10, 2012
Messages
6
Need some help guys. My dad recently passed away and I'm trying to get his boat up and working. The starting battery must be dead, because boat will not turn over. Looked at the batteries and there are dual batteries which have a red cord with what looks like a fuse connecting both batteries positive end. Can someone tell me what this red cord is for, because it is corroded and broke in half? Thanks guys.
 

etracer68

Ensign
Joined
Oct 11, 2009
Messages
906
Re: Help with Dual Batteries

What is "his boat", more info needed. Also a pic of this red cord, and connecting fuse, would be a big help. Have you checked the batteries to see if there even at 12 volts?
 

blang008

Cadet
Joined
Nov 10, 2012
Messages
6
Re: Help with Dual Batteries

What is "his boat", more info needed. Also a pic of this red cord, and connecting fuse, would be a big help. Have you checked the batteries to see if there even at 12 volts?

Sorry..Boat is a 2006 Sea Hunt Triton 18.6. I'll see if I can get a pic. It appears that the one battery is for the radio, nav lights, and trolling motor and those all seem to work.
 

etracer68

Ensign
Joined
Oct 11, 2009
Messages
906
Re: Help with Dual Batteries

Sounds as though you have issues with the battery cable going to the starter, is this an outboard motor? I would start with cleaning the connections, and replacing any broken cables. Does the boat have a battery swich?
 

blang008

Cadet
Joined
Nov 10, 2012
Messages
6
Re: Help with Dual Batteries

Sounds as though you have issues with the battery cable going to the starter, is this an outboard motor? I would start with cleaning the connections, and replacing any broken cables. Does the boat have a battery swich?

It's an outboard. Boat doesn't have a battery switch. I'll check all the connections. Thanks
 

etracer68

Ensign
Joined
Oct 11, 2009
Messages
906
Re: Help with Dual Batteries

Also make sure you are in neutral on the shifter, and landlard cord (red cord by shifter) is clipped in. Make sure you have it (motor) on water muffs with water on BEFORE you try starting it, or you will damage water pump.
 

etracer68

Ensign
Joined
Oct 11, 2009
Messages
906
Re: Help with Dual Batteries

I have to go shoot my new Henry Golden Boy .17HMR, had it for a week and have not fired it yet. Also, sorry to hear about your loss. I will check back tomorrow morning.
 

NMShooter

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 17, 2010
Messages
196
Re: Help with Dual Batteries

Have you got a cheap voltmeter? If the boat has been sitting awhile, the battery is probably dead.

As stated above, is the kill switch lanyard attached? If you push in the choke, do you hear clicking?
 
Joined
Feb 17, 2012
Messages
2,906
Re: Help with Dual Batteries

post a pic of the red cable. it may be the parrallel link between the batteries as some are fused but with out a picture of what it is and where it broke its just a guess. make sure you tape over the end of any cables that show copper while you are checking things out or you may cause more problems down the line
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Help with Dual Batteries

Let's make it clear what you mean by "won't turn over". Turn over means the starter cranks the engine but it won't start. If the starter is not spinning the engine is not turning over. So what situation do you have? Also -- the kill switch lanyard has nothing to do with the starter and everything to do with the ignition. With the lanyard pulled the engine dies because the ignition is disabled. The engine will still crank with the lanyard pulled. It is the neutral start switch in the control box that prevents starter engagement unless the shifter is in neutral. There are two electrical systems on your boat. Accessories work because the fuse panel is typically fed by a separate #8 or #10 wire directly from the battery. That circuit has nothing to do with the engine systems and instruments. If the engine is not cranking then check the large battery cable connections. Looking is not checking. Disconnect both ends, make them shiny clean and reconnect.
 
Top