SERIOUS LOW VOLTAGE PROBLEM

[msu1966]

I just bought my 2013 R27. I am getting g a low voltage error on the generator control panel. When I try starting the generator it only try to start but will not turnover. Also in the battery locker there are 2 Blue Sea auto charge relays model SI-ACR. One is blinking green the other does not have a green light?
As soon as I use any DC powered itemI get an alarm thru the VHF for low voltage. And the battery charger breaker light is not showing the 'green light .
I am at a dock without any shore power.
Since this is my first launch I am not familiar with the functionality of the systems.
Any assistance is appreciated.
Ken McCormack

 

[SJI Sailor]

Can you start the engine and run the alternator to charge for an hour or so? Also could the batteries be original from 2013? (Would certainly need replacing if so.)

 

[msu1966]

I believe the batteries are around 2 years old. The Blue Sea relay website say if the green light is flashing fast , one or 2 batteries are below 9.5 v.
I will begin your suggestion and run the engine for as hour and see where that takes me.
Much appreciated.

 

[msu1966]

How long can I run the engine at idle without causing any issues?

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

In the water, a long time. Out of the water, never.


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[CruisingElvinRay]

You mentioned the battery charger light. The battery charger only works on shore power or with the generator. Do you have a generator installed?


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[msu1966]

I have a Masse on-board generator. When I tried to start it I got low voltage error and it tried to start but would not turn over.

 

[ethanbarnett]

Replace the generator’s capacitor. Very easy, very cheap and the first step if low voltage issues with the generator.

 

[msu1966]

Is it safe it safe to leave my dock and be without shore power for at least 3 days with my current situation?

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

Safe is relative. You need house power for your navigation, refrigerator, etc…. If your generator doesn’t start, you will be without any power. If your engine battery is good and you are comfortable without power, it could work. Personally, I would not leave the dock with systems issues.


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[scross]

Ken,
We’re any of these power issues occurring during the pre-buy survey? Or during the “sea trial”?

 

[SJI Sailor]

+1 to not being comfortable leaving the dock with issues like this. Besides house power and potential battery damage from depletion, I would worry whether there might be an issue that would hit the starter battery, too (such as improper wiring that makes it parallel). I suppose that could be managed -- but without substantial work, disconnection, or a backup plan, I would stay put (my 0.02).

 

[msu1966]

The marina that decommissioned in Fall of 2020 and commissioned the boat in Spring of 2021 did my troubleshooting just after I took possession when the generator was displaying a low battery condition. Unfortunately all systems prior to and during my sea trial checked out fine and all systems were operating as they should.
On my first launch, I got the 'low battery' error message on the generator display when I tried to start it, and the refrigerator would not stay cold. Also, I got a reading on my multimeter on at least 1 battery showing 7+ volts. When I asked the marina service to check into why I was getting this low battery condition, the only thing they found were some corrosion on some of the battery terminals and a couple cables were not tight after several hours of troubleshooting. I had passed the information about the 'low battery' and the refridge not staying cold to at least 3 employees of the marina.
The broker who sold me the boat then came aboard and checked the voltage monitor and saw that one battery showed 7+ amps. So he told the service crew that a new battery is needed.
I have 3 questions to ask.
1. Is testing all batteries a normal part of a marine survey? When I asked my surveyor he said that a battery test was not performed and that it is not usually done.
2. It seems to me that the service crew, knowing that at least one battery was only showing 7+ volts, they should have tested all batteries and replace any that were not producing a full charge before going on a troubleshooting mission for several hours, correct?
3. Do I have any recourse with either my Surveyor or the Marina for not performing a battery test to determine the current condition of the batteries?
Your advice is welcomed,
Ken

 

[scross]

Ken,
I can only offer my single experience on the purchase of our boat 6 years ago. I had a both a marine survey and a separate survey of engine and transmission done. The marine survey checked the battery charger and inverter for function. Voltage was checked but I don’t think each battery was checked independently.
If your problems are related to one bad battery, some minor corrosion and a few loose connections I’d say you were pretty fortunate. A battery can, and do, fail at any time. They are consumables. However, if one battery in a bank of two, three or four batteries failed I would seriously consider replacing all the batteries in that bank.
In the big scheme of things batteries are cheap! Well cheap unless you are talking lithium or Fireflys! Good luck!

 

[knotflying]

I wouldn't necessarily think low voltage is a serious problem. How old are the batteries? I would replace the bad one if it was not of the house bank. If it was part of the house bank I would replace both. I would also monitor things once the battery is replaced to make sure there are no parasitic draws. As far as recourse goes, I would move on.

 

[BB marine]

1. Is testing all batteries a normal part of a marine survey? When I asked my surveyor he said that a battery test was not performed and that it is not usually done.

*The Pre purchase vessel survey should involve a visual inspection of all batteries (date code) along with an inspection of all connections and hold down straps and battery box Or terminal covers meet or exceed USCG requirements. It does not normally require inspection and texting of battery condition. This can be requested during a vessel survey but is normally done if an engine survey is done which is an additional survey.

2. It seems to me that the service crew, knowing that at least one battery was only showing 7+ volts, they should have tested all batteries and replace any that were not producing a full charge before going on a troubleshooting mission for several hours, correct?

* A sevice technician that did the spring commissioning should have inspected each battery as part of spring commissioning. Normally a full charge to all battery banks is completed and then battery's are load tested to confirm the vessels charging systems and battery banks are ready for the season. There is a difference between launching a boat for the season and paying for a spring commissioning. A spring commissioning in my days of servicing a boat meant that I am billing you for a service so that you can have a turn key ready to go vessel.

Do I have any recourse with either my Surveyor or the Marina for not performing a battery test to determine the current condition of the batteries?

At this point probably not the surveyor. If you paid for a spring commissioning of the boat I would question what that charge includes? If it included a full spring commissioning I would question the integrity of the servicing technician as to why he did not inform you of the condition of the batteries.

At this point I would recommend starting fresh with the batteries of the new to you boat. Install all new batteries, clean all wire connections and make sure the fasteners are tight. Inspect the alternator for proper output, ACR for proper operation and battery charger. Knowing that you have all new batteries and a good charging system will give you a good start at enjoying your new to you Ranger Tug.

 

[msu1966]

Problem solved (hopefully). I have replaced all 4 batteries and so far things seem to be functioning properly.

Thanks to everyone who contributed.

 

[Shibumi]

Sounds like batteries could be toast regardless of age. If they were drawn to 0 like if the always on fuse was not pulled they have probably been over discharged. You can kind of charge on the Overdue discharged charged battery it will do what you describe. And rapidly get worse.

 

[knotflying]

Glad you found the problem. As far as the green lights on the ACR. That was also an indicator of a battery issue. The ACR will not kick in if the battery is below a specific voltage. It is a safety feature.