Tigers, family and friends,
My boat has 4 batteries connected in series. Each battery is rated 6v 300Ah. On my electrical panel is saying 600Ah. However, I can not see any starting battery. On the boat everything is working well (Tv, fridge lights, water pumps anchor etc..) and solar panels are charging and keeping batteries on 600Ah. If I use the boat everyday, engine starts easy, but if doing it on weekly basis engine is struggling due to low cranking amp. 1. Is it possible that stating battery is somewhere else on the boat (I can have a look around) and is slowly giving up? So far I found 4 batteries 6v 300Ah Lifeline GPL 6TC (bloody 1100 bucks each) and a regulator all under the bed and no other wires that could possibly lead to a starting battery.
2. Should I add 150 AMG battery to those 4 to give some more power. I do have a switch for starting engine battery or both, but there is not difference what every I put on.
A bit confusing here. Feels scary when engine is not reacting while the starting button is pushed. All batteries are connected to positive and negative terminals a bit further from batteries and I could just connect a new battery directly to this terminals to avoid connections between those 4 batteries. Any suggestions what is going on here?
Thanks tigers
Boats are an extreme learning curve. You don't mention any solar charging input. My initial recommendation would be to get a marine electrician to check your system and the batteries. They can then recommend options. However, just adding more battery without knowing how your system works is not an option!
Try following the heavy positive lead from your starter motor. It'll either lead to the main 1-2-both switch, or to your hidden starter battery. Alternately, follow the leads out from the 1-2-Both switch to see where they go. Maybe your boat's documentation has helpful info such ascild battery receipts.
Serb, having watched and contributed to your many learning experiences, I have to say that, in the most constructive and caring way, you obviously have no idea what you have in the way of electrics on your new boat (ie: four 6 volt batteries in series, I would be astounded if a hunter ran a 24 volt system) and for your sake and the safety of your family, you need to get a competent marine electrician to assess your electrical system and instruct you in it's operation BEFORE you make any additions or alterations. 
Select to expand quoteUncleBob said..
Serb, having watched and contributed to your many learning experiences, I have to say that, in the most constructive and caring way, you obviously have no idea what you have in the way of electrics on your new boat (ie: four 6 volt batteries in series, I would be astounded if a hunter ran a 24 volt system) and for your sake and the safety of your family, you need to get a competent marine electrician to assess your electrical system and instruct you in it's operation BEFORE you make any additions or alterations.
Wrote that wrong sorry, 2x 6v 300Ah = 12v 300A (series) than another par 2x6v 300Ah= 12v 300Ah ( connection the same in series). Than both pares in parallel = 12V 600Ah.
I hope it is clear now. Found the starting battery which was completed death. Jumped to Repco and got a new starting battery 780 CCA (exactly like the old one) fitted everything in and it's cool now. As soon as I push the button engine is on. The starting battery is under the port side storage near the steering wheel.
On the way back after a cruise prop got stuck in the crab net, engine died and I needed to jump in the water to quick tied bowline to my mooring before boat ended up damaging other boats.
What a drama. While doing that I cleaned my boat and slime got off easily. I felt sick after finishing. Not fit at all to do James Bond movies.. One should ask is this all worth it...
Boats are an adventure. . Well done solving the battery issue, securing your disabled boat, clearing a tangled rope around the prop and giving the hull a clean while your down there. Quite an afternoons work.
Select to expand quotecammd said..
Boats are an adventure. . Well done solving the battery issue, securing your disabled boat, clearing a tangled rope around the prop and giving the hull a clean while your down there. Quite an afternoons work.
Thanks buddy. You sad it, boats are big toys.
