2000 Searay 380 Aft Cabin Twin 3116TA Cats

[Dale Horsman]

At the end of last season my stbd engine would start unless used the emergency start
I have 12.5 volts at the batties
12.5 volts on the meter in my panel and the bridge stbd side volt meter reads 16 volts after starting
I believe I too a lightning hit end of last summer because my start relay had to be replaced
Any ideas of where I should start looking
TIA
Thanks
Dale

 

[Strecker25]

At the end of last season my stbd engine would start unless used the emergency start
I have 12.5 volts at the batties
12.5 volts on the meter in my panel and the bridge stbd side volt meter reads 16 volts after starting
I believe I too a lightning hit end of last summer because my start relay had to be replaced
Any ideas of where I should start looking
TIA
Thanks
Dale

first thing you I would do, assuming it’s insured, is call your policy holder. A lightning strike is likely covered to some extent and can cost a small fortune to fix all the pieces so I would at least explor the option.

 

[Dale Horsman]

first thing you I would do, assuming it’s insured, is call your policy holder. A lightning strike is likely covered to some extent and can cost a small fortune to fix all the pieces so I would at least explor the option.

 

[bahamabreisus]

How old are your batteries? Sounds like the place to start.

 

[dtfeld]

Second thing is to put a good volt meter on those batteries. You probably have 5. Fully charged should be around 12.8V. 12.5 is a little low. Additionally, I would load test each one individually

Also, 16v on the meter while running is way too high…should be around 14.2-14.8 and may indicate a problem with your alternators. At 16V charging, you are cooking your batteries.

 

[Dale Horsman]

I dont think I want to go the insurance route yet
It happened last season, I cant prove a lightning hit and everything else is good
Good advice

Second thing is to put a good volt meter on those batteries. You probably have 5. Fully charged should be around 12.8V. 12.5 is a little low. Additionally, I would load test each one individually

Also, 16v on the meter while running is way too high…should be around 14.2-14.8 and may indicate a problem with your alternators. At 16V charging, you are cooking your batteries.

 

[JC3]

How old are your batteries? Sounds like the place to start.

This is where to start! Take a volt meter and verify battery volt status. Also check double check battery terminal connections. JC

 

[ttmott]

First, don't believe the helm gauges.
As said above take voltage readings on the batteries themselves, individually.
Perform a load test on the batteries, individually.
If your engine will crank normally when the Emergency Start button is pressed, then it appears the battery ground wiring is good.
A battery with a shorted cell will cause the alternator to step up charge amperage and voltage. Again, do a load test on each battery.
I would not continue to leave the charger turned on until you wring out the batteries; I've seen batteries explode (I've had one explode) due to shorted cells. What a mess that makes.