Batteries, Electrical, Starting Problems

[WacoLen]

We are the new owners of 2001 Catalina 320 - #856 also known as Revelation. This site was a great comfort in purchasing our new boat and we look forward to participating.

Our saga is just over a month old. We moved her from the Dallas area to Lake Waco, just 3 minutes from our house. Then just 3 weeks later, our battery charger (ProNautic 1230P) stopped charging the batteries (2 4D's). They were dropping into the 11v range and I started diagnostics from ProMariner. Before I could complete the tests to determine the problem, our lake rose 16 feet due to heavy rains. Needless to say, all power is off at the marina and will be for at least another 3 weeks. The batteries are now in the lower 11v and upper 10's.

I took a borrowed battery booster to the boat in an attempt to start the engine and charge the batteries. The booster was connected to one battery and my battery switch was set to that one battery. At first, there was power to the pedestal since the fuel gage engaged. The engine turned slowly a few times but did not start. After checking the connections to the battery and switching the battery switch to both batteries, the boat lost power to the pedestal - the fuel gauge would not even power up.

Since first there was power to the pedestal and now not, I am guessing a fuse has blown. I did not have a multimeter to start checking connections but will take one back next time. The engine is a Yanmar 3GM30F.

Any suggestions on where to start and what to check?

Thank you.
Leonard Hooks
Revelation #856
Soli Deo Gloria

[Cat36Mahalo]

Just a guess but suspect a road journey bounced the batteries around a bit and you have some shorted cells. Your booster would quickly be consumed trying to charge “bad” battery.