New Boat (to me) Cranking Issue

Capt.Brad

Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2024
Messages
6
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C (Sterndrive)
Hull Identification Number
RFB02839H001
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Ranger 21
Vessel Name
C'est Nous
Hello there,
New owner here!
I just acquired a 2001 Ranger 21 with a 2GM20 Yanmar engine in it. I Purchased from an older gentleman who is in a convalescent home and can't offer any assistance or answer any questions. Anyway.... It has not been started in 4 years so I replaced the 2 cranking batteries in the engine bay. I am not sure if I am missing anything else but when I try to crank it this is what I get
Turn Key
Beep sounds Super loud!
Two of the lights on the right light up
Push button and no cranking but the lights slightly dim.
I did short across the solenoid and I heard the starter spin, so there is that.
I did not replace the battery in the stern as I assume that is only for the inverter (Correct?) I have zero documentation.
All the breakers below the lights appear to be "in". Are there other fuses? Points of failure?

I was able to pick up a beautiful boat at an incredible price and the family is very excited about it!


Thanks!
 
Hello Brad,

The next thing I would do is to make sure you are in neutral. The engine will not start if the boat is in gear whether it be in forward or reverse. You might even want to go one step further and check the shift lever at the engine itself. You can remove the cable and manually shift in and out of gear by hand to make sure the lever is engaging the neutral protect.
 
It was in Neutral for sure. Not sure what the issue was. I need clarification on the 3 battery wiring. The two in the battery compartment appear to be wired together? Are they "Battery One" What does the one in the back do? I replaced it today and we got it to crank. AND it started! After 4 years (new fuel and filter)

SO happy to start this journey!
 
We always had it as the house and engine battery inside of the engine compartment. Any additional batteries were in the port aft compartment but those were always for the AC unit if the boat was equipped with one.
 
Hi Captain Brad, just a word of caution if you were not aware. Do not shift into forward or reverse gear if the boat is not in the water. This looks to have been done on my recently acquired 21EC and it is currently in the shop for new cutless bearing. It was totally shredded due to shaft being turned while dry!!. Good luck and safe travels!!
 
KennyMarrs":ks1lb59y said:
We always had it as the house and engine battery inside of the engine compartment. Any additional batteries were in the port aft compartment but those were always for the AC unit if the boat was equipped with one.

That's what would make sense! The batteries in the engine compartment are wired together. There is a perko switch in the wheelhouse that I thought was for them but not the way there is a jumper for both + and - posts. The battery in the aft compartment has its own on off switch. I am going to dig in more today. My first hurdle was to get it running and now that is behind me and now I need to gain a better understanding of the systems.
 
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