[C320-list] Starting Battery

[Scott Thompson]

You should be able to start the engine with the battery switch in "one", 
"two" or "both."  It sounds like you have a blown fuse or loose or 
corroded connection somewhere between battery one and the switch.

The "engine" vs. "house" labels are suggestions only.  The wiring is 
completely symmetric, except possibly for the bilge pump.  (I forget 
which battery the bilge pump is wired to.)  My standard practice is to 
alternate between them.

This assumes that no one has modified the standard battery 
configuration.  Many boats have had dedicated starting batteries added, 
in which case you may have a third battery you haven't found yet in your 
"new" boat.

Scott Thompson
Surprise, 653

Quentin Murphy wrote:
> I tried to start my engine when the big red battery switch was on position
> "One" and not even the blower or buzzer would run.  When I used position
> "Two" or "Both" the engine would start.  One of my batteries (forward one)
> is marked as "engine".  Both my batteries show well in the green range
> (tested with the charger circuit-breaker off).  But I know this only shows
> voltage and is not a true indication of cranking power.  But if even the
> blower wont run, then the battery would not show in the green range.  On my
> last boat (CS-30) the engine would start on position "One", "Both" or "Two".
> As I only had this boat three weeks before winter lay up, I'm not yet
> familiar with this boat's electrical systems as they are all a little
> different.
> 
> Either something is wrong with my Battery "One" electrical path or position
> "Two" on the big red switch is only to be used for starting the engine.   Is
> the engine meant to start on position "One" as well or is "One" strictly
> dedicated for "house" except in an emergency when you would bridge the two
> battery banks using "Both"?
> 
> p.s. I will be having a "Denaming Ceremony" and when the new name is applied
> to the hull a "Naming Ceremony".  Hopefully this will ward off the evil
> spirits and subsequent bad luck.  In the old days having women aboard was
> supposed to upset the wind gods, but my last boat never crashed into the
> dock (not enough to mark the hull anyway) or worse sunk.   Have to find one
> of those champagne bottles with a pre-scored crack so the hull is not marked
> for the Naming ceremony.  The bar will be well-stocked for both events.
> Thanks for the demaning "prayer".
> 
> 
> Quentin Murphy
> Celtic Knot #667
> 
> 
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