[C320-list] Electrical problem

[bruceheyman at cox.net]

Mike,
Also check the connections and the cables.  Several times I've come across a situation where a dodgey cable end or connection would handle the low current demands of the fridge and GPS but balk at the couple of hundred amps required by the starter motor.
Bruce
Somerset 671 SoCal
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

-----Original Message-----
From: bruceheyman at cox.net
Date: Sat, 9 Jan 2010 12:51:37 
To: Catalina List<C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Electrical problem

Mike,
Check fluid level and add distilled water as required. Charge over night and then check each cell with a hydrometer.
Bruce
Somerset 671 SoCal
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

-----Original Message-----
From: "Mike Paris" <mparis495 at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 18:01:57 
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Electrical problem

Last weekend I went out for a day-sail. I usually put the battery sith on "both" but I forgot and left it on "2" for the trip. The engine started normally, I motored for about 30 minutes and then sailed for about 2 1/2 hours. When I went to restart the engine it was dead (no sound when pushing the start button). I changed the battery switch to "both" and the the engine started right up. The electrical draw during the sail was a fully cooled refrigerator, the chartplotter and ST60 gauges. My boat is always plugged in to shorepower with charger on when in the slip. I have two wet-cell batteries that I believe are about four years old (I've owned the boat for 2 1/2 years). I'm not knowledable about electrical systems so I'm looking for advice as to steps to take to find possible problems when I head down there this weekend. 

Thanks to all,
Mike P
#734