Dead Battery -190 Sport

[DCrozier190]

Folks, my first problem with my Sea Ray....Went to start the boat this weekend and had a dead battery, or at least the boat wouldn't turn over. The boat had been sitting for two weeks, but that's nothing we hadn't done many times last season and even a few times this season. Nothing was left on - not the radio, the blower, the nav lights. All switches were in the off position. Even through the boat wouldn't turn start the radio, lights, and blower would all still work. We only have a single battery. I've never touch the master switch or the battery switch. Not even sure where those are on the boat to be honest. Boat and battery are brand new as of last year. 2013 model.

We used a battery tender to juice the battery for a few hours and the boat did start. Unfortunately, it was dark so I couldn't take the boat to try and re-charge the battery. The next morning, just 12 hours later, the battery was dead again and the boat wouldn't start.

I know I can just get another battery but it seems like something is draining the battery and just getting a new one won't help resolve the real issue.

As a side item, which may or may not be related, the ignition switch seems loose. When turn the key to start the engine the key is almost at 4pm, if you know what I'm saying...

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Darren

 

[kaz911]

When your battery switch is left in ON position - you do actually power quite a few circuits on the boat that drain power. That will help you drain the battery. Do yourself a favour - disconnect the battery and charge it with a bench battery charger. Then afterwards remember to switch off the batter after usage.

The ignition switch can be set back and tightened. But do it gently. The outer ring on it is usually where you tighten it - while someone holds from the rear of the switch. But be careful if it is all plastic.

 

[diveman]

The radio will slowly drain the battery because, even when not on, it will have a parasitic draw to maintain the time and radio pre-sets.

Just a thought.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[dburne]

If you have a single battery, it may or may not have an on/off switch. If it does, it would be in that same compartment where the battery is.
If it does not have a switch, or does and is in the on position, there are still a lot of things being powered. With a switch and it in the off position, some things are still powered - like bilge pump, stereo memory.

Since yours only sat for two weeks and then was dead ( assuming it was fine the last time you went out), it sounds like to me you may have a cell going on that battery. I would not hesitate to replace that battery, just not worth the aggravation trying to get more out of it. You can easily check this, remove the battery and take it to an auto parts store and have them check it for you.

If your boat does not have a switch, consider adding one in, or having someone do it for you. In fact, if you do this, I would consider going ahead and adding two batteries with the selector switch. When I bought my new 2013 190 Sport back in Feb, that was the first thing I asked the dealer for - dual batteries with the selector switch. When we go to the lake, after we anchor, I turn the selector to one of the batteries only and run it off of that one all day. Next time we go to the lake, I do the same thing but choose the other battery - alternating between batteries each trip. Then I always have a good charged battery at the ready should I need it. Also when I picked up my boat in Feb, I had it parked and did not get to take it out till May - switch stayed in off position, and she fired right up without hesitation. It had sat for about 90 days.

Here is a pic of my battery setup with the selector switch:

Hope this helps, and best of luck!

 

[millzrm]

I personally dont have the need for a 2nd battery. Look into getting a portable battery charger, they are reasonably priced and compact. I personally haven't needed it but I have lent mine out of other boats and they have all been very glad I had it.

 

[DCrozier190]

Sorry for the delay in posting. Thanks for the thoughts. The dual battery set up with a switch seems like the way to go. The 190 does not come standard with a master switch that can be turned on and off. I'm just going to throw a fresh battery in there and carry a jumper with me for this season. Once out of the water for the season I'll get the double set up with a switch.

**Don -Thanks for the picture.

Thanks again.

Darren

 

[jeffw]

My switch was loose from day I got it, I had to tighten the lock nut from the back. It helps to have it in a standard position, but if you remove key you should not be powering anything. I am on my 3rd year with the same boat with no battery draining issues.

 

[dburne]

Sorry for the delay in posting. Thanks for the thoughts. The dual battery set up with a switch seems like the way to go. The 190 does not come standard with a master switch that can be turned on and off. I'm just going to throw a fresh battery in there and carry a jumper with me for this season. Once out of the water for the season I'll get the double set up with a switch.

**Don -Thanks for the picture.

Thanks again.

Darren

You are most welcome! I really like having a second battery " just in case "...
Sounds like you have a good plan for the summer, have fun!