Loosing charge on cranking battery

[ramblinrek]

Over the past 5 weeks we have been harvesting soybeans and cotton. Fishing has been at a stand still. My boat sets in the shop not being used. I have checked the batteries on several occasions and have found that the cranking battery is totally discharged. I have been able to bring back to a full charge using my shop charger each time, the last time being last Saturday. This morning the cranking amps had already fallen again by about 100 CCA’s. I have checked all mercury switches–all don’t activate until the lids are approximately six inches open. Looks as if no lights are on when doors are shut. No fish finders are on. Ignition switch is in off position and no dash lights are on. Alarm is disabled. Where could the battery drain be coming from? Also, I have seen several posts about Lester chargers. What model number are you using? Replies will be appreciated.

[Bass Cat Boats]

You are experiencing parasitic voltage from the engine, dash and other components. Stereos are the worst drain if you have one and the issue is just keeping all the little processors hot on components that are made today. Since your a farmer, we assume your tractors totally shut off, and a manual banana style terminal spade or master battery switch would end most of this. Some tractors have these installed on newer computerized equipment. The older equipment totally shut down. Boats are not any different as the newer boats have drains, and the older ones you may be able to start after sitting for months, and we have done this after 6 months on older boats.

BCB

[dblplasabre]

BCB, where would you suggest adding a main battery disconnect?

[Bass Cat Boats]

The simplest one is those banana spade switches that go on the main positive line. There are other quick disconnects that do the same, though these are simplest. We have seen others add a master power switch solenoid and we also have considered that for our uses. Simply turn on the Master and the solenoid launches the voltage to components, though the amount of terminals required can make this difficult if you are over three (3) wires. Also the charger leads bypass those spade switches and go direct.

BCB

Here is a sample though there are many.

http://order.waytekwire.com/productdeta … ISCONNECT/

[ramblinrek]

You are right about the farm equipment. I never have trouble with battery drain on any of that equipment. Didn’t think about that with boat engine. Will get a disconnect today and place on cranking battery. I believe you stated on all positive wires except charger wire. Thanks, ramblinrek.

[Bass Cat Boats]

http://www.trojanbattery…._batteryguide_201105.pdf

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