V-Max Voltage issue

[HappyChamper]

Well..back at the regional Fishers of Men event I had to withdraw due to a motor issue. While never confirmed it looked like it was a battery issue. Well, today I was out chasing Stripers on Lake Murray and after a brief run the motor would not crank, almost like a dead battery. But, the battery is new and I checked it and it is good. After jumping across from TM batteries the volt gauge would not go past 13 volts, mostly around 12V. I am thinking alternator or voltage regulator. Local dealer is closed until Jnauary 3rd. Looks like I am going to be bank trash til then.

Any ideas to check? Loose connections etc?

[Neilslure]

How often do you recharge your cranking battery? I have found that since installing my Lowrance 332 I have to periodically charge my cranking battery, especially if I dont run alot.

[DChamp]

I had to install two switches for the console Graph/GPS (Lowrance LMS 332c) because on the small current draw the GPS does when the boat switch is off. Have also noticed the Graph will come on sometimes without me turning it on. Not had anymore problems with the starting battery going dead anymore.

[HappyChamper]

Part Duex...Recent running reveals that the volt gauge on the panel shows approx. 12.5-13 volts with the motor running; almost like alternator is absent. Another indication is that the volt gauge fluctuates from 12VDC to 13.5vc when the key is twisted/moved without turning to start. Looks pretty weird.

[JUST-IN-TIME]

do yiu have a hand held volt meter?

[HappyChamper]

hey JIT....I was on the lake today. UPDATE...The battery was HOT right off of FULL charge. Battery charge indicators showed FULL CHARGE. So I launched and it started right up as it always did. Volt gauge looked good with 13-14.5 volts on gauge. I ran about 3/4 of a mile at half throttle and stopped for about 35 minutes to jig some stripers. Sat down and turned the key and it slow rolled and acted like battery was dead. I am going to start with replacing battery, new or not and go from there. The fact that it starts with HOT battery and then acts like a battery issue leads me to believe that there is a bad/shorted cell.

Bad news is that the dealer for battery is closed until Jan 3rd. HAPPY NEW YEAR.