Last May, I sold my 2003 Bayliner and replaced it with a 2019 Chaparral 237 SSX. The selling dealer installed a second battery, and I asked them to hotwire the bilge pump. I was told that they had and proceeded to go out on the lake after a particularly heavy storm. When I was unable to get the RPM over 2500, I checked the bilge, and of course, the bilge was full of water in that the pump had not been properly hot-wired. Predictably, in a few months, the starter began to experience problems and eventually failed totally. I assume it was due to water contamination. I had the wiring corrected and the starter replaced. I vowed to check the bilge before every cruise and have done so religiously. Unfortunately, after only eight months, the starter has failed again! The 237 SSX is powered by a Volvo Penta V6. My brother-in-law experienced a starter failure just a couple of months ago. He owns a 227 SSX with the same Penta engine. When I contacted my local Chaparral dealership (the one who fixed the starter initially - not the selling dealer) the rep said that these starter failures are quite common. Also, a rep for the local boat rental club said that they had experienced a rash of starter problems, too. About a third of their fleet consists of Chaparral boats. Since the starter replacement last December, I know that there has been no excess water in the bilge. The only water that remains is what's left after the float switch cuts out. When I search the iboats forums, I don't see many discussions of this issue which is surprising given my experience and discussions with other boat owners. Surely, a starter should not be that susceptible to water damage. Of course, if they get submerged, then that is a problem, but if the water level is as designed......? They operate in a water environment and, in fact, just above the bilge water. If the water never gets above float turnoff level, then the starter should not be in jeopardy. The engine placement was designed this way.
I'd welcome any comments regarding this issue. I don't think I should have to sponge out the bilge every time I take the boat out! Shouldn't starters be manufactured to withstand water penetration? They are, after all, installed in boats, and boats operate on, in, and around water. (Pardon my sarcasm; I'm just frustrated with this starter problem.) Thanks for commenting.
I'd welcome any comments regarding this issue. I don't think I should have to sponge out the bilge every time I take the boat out! Shouldn't starters be manufactured to withstand water penetration? They are, after all, installed in boats, and boats operate on, in, and around water. (Pardon my sarcasm; I'm just frustrated with this starter problem.) Thanks for commenting.