Rusty Help needed

[Kingsway]

I have a 2000 Johnson 115hp and today when I was out with it, the volt meter started showing 15 volts output (normally it's 13 to 14 range) than it went to 16 1/2 volts about 30minetes later. We fished for 2hrs and on the way home the volt meter registered 18+ plus volts. I kept using the trim on the motor to bring the volts down to 16 volts but within seconds it went back to 18+ volts. What do you suggest I look into? Could it be the battery? or the voltage regulator? other ideas?
Thanks in advance,

[RUSTY63]

This sounds like a Rectifier/Regulator problem, I would disconnect the cranking battery until you can have it looked at by your dealer.

[Kingsway]

Thanks Rusty,
I will call and take it in tomarrow. What sould it cost, ballpark?
Thanks again,

[RUSTY63]

Well, I have a price but my source of information seems to be incorrect as of last night so....I will say the info I have shows it about $225.00.

[Kingsway]

We I finally got the boat to the dealer today for a look. First we checked the voltage on the battery and it was 12.4v then we hooked up a new battery and turned the key to the on position and the volt meter was at 18v so without the motor running we decided to check the voltage guage at the connectors and it was 12.5volts. Conclusion volt gage needs replacing or repair . Rusty is their any repair to fix a volt meter? or just replace it?
Thanks,

[RUSTY63]

Replace it.

Glad it was just the guage, that is a much cheaper fix.

[Kingsway]

Rusty,
I wanted to give a follow up.
I did an even better and cheeper fix. I took the guage out and took it apart and I found that the needle on the guage had loosened up so I carefully removed it and placed it in the proper place on the dial using a volt meter to adjust it. I reinstalled it and it works fine.
Thanks for your help,

[ChampioNman]

Good job!