all batteries dead

[eRock1]

Well new here first post, here goes. Went up with to check on my boat today , (frst boat) and looks as though all my batteries are dead. Didn't have a lot of time to inspect weather they had froze and swelled although I'm assuming they have. The boat is a 1989 3207 aft cabin. It has twin 350 mercs looks like 2 start batteries and 4 220 Ah 6 volt house batteries. I left the selector off in the fall but obviously something has drained them. I'm looking to find out how these systems are supposed to be wired I can't really find any solid info. I've had the boat since August 2016. I was confused about the the 12 volt system from the start as there is a battery monitor that flashes battery voltage 4 battery's but the selector switch only has 2 and all . (Boat not equipped with a generator ) so basically I'm looking for wiring diagrams / info as well hope someone can give some advice on where to start here.

[Viper]

Welcome aboard Penetang. Hey, I'm noticing that there are a lot of us Canadians signing up here It's the new world order!

If they're dead now, they're likely toast or at best won't have the capacity to hold a decent charge for long, if they'll even take a charge at all. Change them so they don't let you down next season.

You've probably got two battery banks; a start bank designed to start the engines, this may consist of one or more start batteries in the same bank, and the other bank that should be deep cycle batteries (your 6 volt batteries) designed to run house loads.

Unless you know how the boat is wired, and by this I don't mean the OEM schematics because there is no telling what a previous owner did, I wouldn't trust that simply turning the battery switch off shuts down ALL DC loads. When in doubt, for winter, disconnect the negative cables at the batteries.

There are way too many variables involved to determine why they failed but you can minimize the chances of failure by putting them to bed properly to begin with. If nothing was done to them prior to winter, that's part of the problem.

If you're going to invest that kind of money to replace 4 x 6 volt batteries, consider replacing your charger to a smart charger if you don't already have one. Spending that kind of cash for batteries without a proper charger to maintain them is poor economics. I know the wallet dictates, and if you have to skimp somewhere, do it on a less critical system.

[feeez]

Welcome aboard erock1..... this is spot for all things Carver. Agree with Viper your batteries are probably toast. I also replaced my charger last year Pronautic 50A smart charger 3 bank. It was truly plug and play no issues all season.

And welcome to the neighbourhood. As you can see we are next door at Beacon Bay.....

We are getting to the point where could have a Carver Forum floatilla

Cheers
Fraser

[eRock1]

Yeah I feel like such an idiot gives me a sick to my stomach feeling that I just left it with the main off. I was even going to bring the batteries home at one point but then thought Naah just charge them and it'll be fine . I will try to charge them but I'm thinking they're done. Might see if the Marin will let me plug in to charge them up.

[Viper]

If you didn't do it in the Fall, check to make sure the fluids are topped up first. You don't want to simply put them on charge if the fluid's been boiled off. Could be dangerous.

[mjk1040]

eRock; u didn't mention the age of the batteries. they may have been at their end of useful life. Welcome to the best Carver forum u'll ever find. Mike

[jcoll]

I've always make a habit of bringing my batteries home and charging them periodically to maintain a full charge. In the long run it's been worth the effort. If they lose a charge and freeze it can get expensive. Of course they're gas engine batteries and much more manageable than diesel batteries.

[Viper]

There are a few posts here on the subject of removing batteries for the winter. What ever makes you feel comfortable but if the batteries are good, and they are put to bed properly for the winter, there is no need to remove them.

[eRock1]

Yeah it's really my own fault I should have disconnected them at least. However I still looking for info on how the system was originally supposed to be wired so I can compare with how it's setup now. And find what drew both starting batteries and all house batteries down. Thanks in advance

[bud37]

That hurts , never know you might get lucky here and get some back, cross those fingers especially for the 6 volts......