Battery Switch & Battery usage question

[wish2fish]

I will be keeping my 220 on a battery operated hydraulic lift beginning this season. The lift has its own solar charger but my question is related to the boat battery. I don't have power on the dock and really don't want to use extension cords to get it there on a regular basis.

In the past it seemed if I didn't put a charger on the boat and left it for more than 2 weeks I would come back to a dead battery. If the battery switch is in the off position what is the power consumption? I guess the radio memory uses a little power. Is there anything else? How long should the battery last in the off position?

Thanks

 

[Molson]

It depends on the age of the battery, and what is connected. On mine, the only thing connected when in the OFF position is the bilge pump. It can sit 2 weeks and start no problem. I think either you have a batt going bad, or a draw coming from somewhere.

 

[wish2fish]

I don't have automatic bilge pump.

 

[Molson]

The radio shouldn't be getting any memory power unless is had a lead going directly to the battery. Have you checked the water levels in the batteries? (If possible)

 

[wish2fish]

Battery has been replaced and don't know if I gave the new one a chance to fail. How does radio remember channels if it doesn't have direct power hook up?

 

[Lazy Daze]

With your boat, the only things active when switch is off is the auto bilge pump (unless you changed this, your boat has this), radio memory (again, unless you changed this) and the engine computer.

This all amounts to a very tiny draw. If the battery is good (and no errant draw) your engine should fire right up after 2 weeks as if it was only a day.

 

[wish2fish]

With your boat, the only things active when switch is off is the auto bilge pump (unless you changed this, your boat has this), radio memory (again, unless you changed this) and the engine computer.

This all amounts to a very tiny draw. If the battery is good (and no errant draw) your engine should fire right up after 2 weeks as if it was only a day.

Dennis,
Thanks for the response. I had to pop the bilge pump off last year because it was clogged up. I didn't see (really feel) a float anywhere. Is there more than one bilge pump. You really can't see under the motor on the 220.

T

 

[Lazy Daze]

The float switch, likely, is tucked further under the engine (further aft). Or, it's an "auto" bilge pump - it would sense water and turn on (no float switch needed). I'm not sure which set-up you have but it is an auto pump, and it is wired directly to the battery, in addition to your dash switch. Hope that helps.

 

[wish2fish]

The float switch, likely, is tucked further under the engine (further aft). Or, it's an "auto" bilge pump - it would sense water and turn on (no float switch needed). I'm not sure which set-up you have but it is an auto pump, and it is wired directly to the battery, in addition to your dash switch. Hope that helps.

I will either have to do a "honey I shrunk the kids" or get one of those video camera to view under there. :grin:

 

[Lazy Daze]

I will either have to do a "honey I shrunk the kids"

:lol:

Or, do you have a mirror?

 

[wish2fish]

as you probably know there isn't much space between the boat hull and the engine on the 220. I can barely get my arm in there. Sometimes I use my cell phone camera to take pictures to see what I'm dealing with.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I guess I was thinking that you could put a small mirror down there, at the right angle, and allow you to see under the engine while you were still up above. But, taking a picture is a very good idea.

 

[JoeyD]

why dont you add a #2 battery and new switch, dont wire anything to battery #2 and keep switch on 1 while away. If #1 is dead switch to #2 start engine. Shut down and switch to both to charge. It is probably a good idea anyway to have two batteries. Just a thought

 

[wish2fish]

why dont you add a #2 battery and new switch, dont wire anything to battery #2 and keep switch on 1 while away. If #1 is dead switch to #2 start engine. Shut down and switch to both to charge. It is probably a good idea anyway to have two batteries. Just a thought

I've been wanting to add a battery so I don't have to worry about the stereo killing the only battery I have but haven't got it done. I even have the Blue Sea Add-A-Battery, battery tray but haven't installed it. Still need some cables and the second battery.