Wiring problems

O.K, Y'all,
I'm a better fisherman than I am an electrician (although there are those who'd argue that point), and I need help.

I just acquired a boat that came with two trolling motors, a 24v and a 36v. The onboard charger is wired to 3 batteries for the 36v motor, and a portable charger goes to the 3 remaining batteries (2 for the motor and 1 for the lights, radio, etc). I keep both chargers plugged in between fishing trips.

Got ready to take the boat out for the first time two days ago; onboard charger showed green on all banks, as did the portable charger. Hit the water, turned on the 24v motor (70 lb. thrust) and just barely moved the boat. Started running off the 36v, bow-mounted motor, and that one didn't do a whole lot better, but we were able to fish.

Next day was the same scenario, after the chargers being plugged in overnight. Before we even left the house, I hit the test button on the 24v Minkota, and the "recharge" light lit up.

I suspect I've got something wired wrong. I had to replace 3 of the 6 batteries on the boat before I even tried to use it. I thought I wired everything the way it was to start with, but the sub-par performance indicates otherwise.

I'd sure welcome any help.[/I]

A bad connection could give you those problems also. Check all the battery connections, trolling motor plugs and sockets, any crimp wire connectors etc. My TM crapped out early one evening and the next day I found the plug and socket to be corroded. Also if you don't have a voltmeter, go to Radio Shack and buy one. Check each battery after they have been charged, they should read at least 12.6 volts. One bad battery will bring the whole bunch down.

Check the specific gravity of the acid in the batteries. All six cells should be near the same and in the "good" range. I suspect one battery in each bank has a bad cell. If that is the case, all the batteries in that bank need to be replaced.

Something similar happened to me while out fishing a year ago. One battery in the 24v bank had a bad cell and died. The TM was useless. I had to call the ranger station to come and tow me in since we are not allowed to use gas engines. The worst part is my 50 hp four stroke is much cleaner than the ranger station's 40 hp two stroke.

See if this helps

Thanx for the info, guys; figured somebody on here would answer the call.