2000 Carver 356 Battery Issues

[Mbishop412]

2000 Carver 356...

I replaced the batteries and charger with the identical units that came with the boat when purchased. The batteries have lost about 3 weeks now and will not start the boat. The charger was reading 14.2v on the readout, but is now reading 11.4. When attempting to start the boat, it reads 8.2. I can’t seem to pinpoint an exact issue because the charger is putting out 11volts it reads to the battery, and the batteries reads 11v each. Any idea why this sudden issue would be happening? The boat ran fine for years and was replaced identical to how it was, parts and all, but keeps dying?

[mjk1040]

Do you leave your batteries on when your not at the boat? Do you leave your shore power on when not at the boat? Possibilities are endless here, why did you replace the charger? Have you checked the all the battery grounds at the engines? Really need more info to help you here.

[bud37]

Welcome to the forum......From your description it appears your charger is just reading battery voltage....what kind of charger is it ?

The charger manual may have a troubleshooting section to help with power on/off issues.

[g36]

if you dont have handheld volt meter grab a friend with one it will make this puzzle a piece of cake to figure out

[km1125]

If the charger voltage is reading anywhere less then 12.6, it's not charging at all. You may have popped a fuse or breaker somewhere or the charger is faulty.

[tomschauer]

You say you replaced the batteries and the charger. Is this correct? And if so did you just replace them or was it done last season or before?
If the charger does bring the batteries to 14+ volts and they can not start the engines when they are at 14+ volts most likely one of these problems.
1. The battery voltage drops to under 12 when you turn the ignition switch, motors don't crank or crank very slowly, but batteries return to 12v or above when not trying to crank. Most likely bad or loose connections at the batteries, battery switch or starters. (starters unlikely if both engine act the same)
2. same as above but battery voltage stays below 12v. Get new batteries, they are toast.