trflgrl
Active Member
- Jun 23, 2014
- 982
- Boat Info
- 1989 Sundancer 300
- Engines
- Twin 350 Merc/Alpha 1 Gen 1; Quicksilver 4.0 gen
Hi there! Have read the Battery thread Blown284 posted so please forgive if I should have added there rather than starting fresh. New to the club but will get in the groove, I promise!
1989 Sea Ray Sundancer 300--haven't found a diagram-for-dummies pic or helpful description to know what SHOULD be connected to each of my three batteries, and haven't traced all the wires but am hoping you seasoned vets will have additional suggestions, regardless.
First time owners as of May 2013 and not the greatest understanding/habits on setting switches correctly for shore power/converter to keep batteries charged; they were winding down fast and frequently but generator and jump starts kept us from getting stranded. Replaced the two main batteries in July 2013 (those we believed were the engine batteries, since they really weren't staying charged even after we corrected our mistakes) and engine starting problems disappeared instantly; we replaced the third battery arbitrarily so we knew we had a clean slate. Been religious ever since ensuring converter is on when connecting to shore power. Also in habit of running genny for 30 min - 1 hr once or twice any day we're on the water but not traveling, like on Sat if we go out Fri and return Sun. Been running like a top and both dash indicators have been solid at 12v or higher through fall and again through spring/summer so far. Cabin/deck lights fine, radio/CD player fine, head/macerator fine; cabin outlets/stove/micro/water heater/cabin heat-AC unit run as expected under generator power.
Two weeks ago we installed a refrigerator--replacement model for manufacturer installed one; prior appliance had been removed before we purchased, but wiring was present. FWIW, it seems to operate only from the helm switch--with that off, the fridge doesn't run. With it on, it does; turning the cabin switch on or off seems to have no effect. First weekend after install, head/macerator were struggling within 24 hours of us unplugging from shore power/switching to ship, doing a 14 mi ride, and running generator as usual. Second full day out, head/macerator quit--cabin lights flickered and small click/buzz from flush switch, but no other activity. All other systems still functioning including fridge. After 14 mi return, head/macerator still click/buzz....but after approx 30 min/1 hr on shore power, flushed again with no problem. Because the fridge was the only change in the system, an early thought was that the fridge/head are on the same circuit, competing for power, and fridge is winning (the owner's guide mentions head should be on separate circuit).
Now 8 days later with only shore power running since; cabin lights flicker but head/macerator make practically no sound at all. What's the likelihood this is operator error of some sort (I hope so--fastest, cheapest fix, right?); head/fridge wiring problem; macerator motor/switch problem; battery/charging bank problem....?
Much appreciation for any guidance--4 day holiday weekend approaching and we'd love to have an operational head AND refrigerator, but right now all we can guess is to turn off the helm switch for the fridge and see what happens, which is what I did tonight to leave it on shore power and check after 24 hr charge.
1989 Sea Ray Sundancer 300--haven't found a diagram-for-dummies pic or helpful description to know what SHOULD be connected to each of my three batteries, and haven't traced all the wires but am hoping you seasoned vets will have additional suggestions, regardless.
First time owners as of May 2013 and not the greatest understanding/habits on setting switches correctly for shore power/converter to keep batteries charged; they were winding down fast and frequently but generator and jump starts kept us from getting stranded. Replaced the two main batteries in July 2013 (those we believed were the engine batteries, since they really weren't staying charged even after we corrected our mistakes) and engine starting problems disappeared instantly; we replaced the third battery arbitrarily so we knew we had a clean slate. Been religious ever since ensuring converter is on when connecting to shore power. Also in habit of running genny for 30 min - 1 hr once or twice any day we're on the water but not traveling, like on Sat if we go out Fri and return Sun. Been running like a top and both dash indicators have been solid at 12v or higher through fall and again through spring/summer so far. Cabin/deck lights fine, radio/CD player fine, head/macerator fine; cabin outlets/stove/micro/water heater/cabin heat-AC unit run as expected under generator power.
Two weeks ago we installed a refrigerator--replacement model for manufacturer installed one; prior appliance had been removed before we purchased, but wiring was present. FWIW, it seems to operate only from the helm switch--with that off, the fridge doesn't run. With it on, it does; turning the cabin switch on or off seems to have no effect. First weekend after install, head/macerator were struggling within 24 hours of us unplugging from shore power/switching to ship, doing a 14 mi ride, and running generator as usual. Second full day out, head/macerator quit--cabin lights flickered and small click/buzz from flush switch, but no other activity. All other systems still functioning including fridge. After 14 mi return, head/macerator still click/buzz....but after approx 30 min/1 hr on shore power, flushed again with no problem. Because the fridge was the only change in the system, an early thought was that the fridge/head are on the same circuit, competing for power, and fridge is winning (the owner's guide mentions head should be on separate circuit).
Now 8 days later with only shore power running since; cabin lights flicker but head/macerator make practically no sound at all. What's the likelihood this is operator error of some sort (I hope so--fastest, cheapest fix, right?); head/fridge wiring problem; macerator motor/switch problem; battery/charging bank problem....?
Much appreciation for any guidance--4 day holiday weekend approaching and we'd love to have an operational head AND refrigerator, but right now all we can guess is to turn off the helm switch for the fridge and see what happens, which is what I did tonight to leave it on shore power and check after 24 hr charge.
