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Newbie Question - Lights & Charging Battery

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brrit
1st Mate

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80 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/05/2007 : 21:07:07

Took the boat out for the first time this evening. Docking went well. Actually had more trouble getting out of the dock than coming back in. I was concerned about it being more difficult the other way around. All good though.

I do have a couple of questions:

1 - I have 2004 electric start motor that didn't want to start with the push button. She started up just fine with a pull, but I, obviously, would prefer the electric start. I was wondering if I'm charging my batteries with shore power properly. Is there a wrong way to do it? Right now, I'm plugging in and able to run my 120 outlets so I'm sure the juice is there. Is there a way to know if my charger is charging? Or, could there be another issue with the motor other than insufficient power?

2 - What lights are required for night sailing on inland lakes? I'm seeing a white light on the stern and a red/green light on the bow. Is that all I need to be legal? It looks like there is a light about half way up the mast. Is that just for convenience?

Kids are doing great on the boat and enjoying being pirates on the open sea.

Thanks!

Bryan Ritchie
"Serenity Now"
1989 C-25 TR/FK #5829
Dallas, Texas
www.athomewithdad.net

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3439 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 22:03:56

As far as battery condition for starting the motor, the simple answer would be...if you use a voltmeter and check the battery voltage it should be reading 12 volts or above. If it is below that, say 11 volts, then there is a good chance that your battery may be too weak to start the motor. A battery check at an auto store puts a load on the battery and determines it's health that way and that is a better indicator.

As to why your battery is rundown, if that seems like the symptom, there are a number of factors. If you recently bought the boat and do not have any idea how old the battery is...well it may be an old battery. Perhaps there is a sticker on it with a date. It could also have a bad cell. When you charge with a battery charger ...or the motor if it has a charging circuit, measure the voltage at the battery terminals. A charger whether it is from a solar panel, battery charger or the motor will charge at a rate higher than the battery voltage to get the amps flowing into the battery. Chargers will typically charge at a rate around 14 volts but definitely above the voltage of the battery before being charged. If you see no noticeable increase in battery voltage when charging, then something is wrong with the charger or the hookups...or maybe a bad cell. By the way...if it a flooded battery (one that you can add water to it), rcmd check to see if the water level is extremely low. Is it possible that a switch was left on for a few days or so. If that has happened a few times, that could also drain the battery significantly. Previos post on battery questions also rcmd' checking for battery drains such as a radio that seems to be off but is draining the power. Possibly a light or etc power drains.

As far as the lights...I am not an expert on lakes and lighting requirements but it sounds like you have a similar setup to my '89. The running lights are needed at night and the std lights for that switch is the stern white light and the red/green bow light. When under motor power at night, the steaming light is additionally switched on that is located half way up the mast facing forward - white light. That mast light is actually a combo light with another switch for illuminating the deck which I guess is used if you want the deck illuminated while dockside.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 23:47:00

Also check and clean the battery terminals and connectors--sometimes a little corrosion impedes the flow of juice both ways. Fine sandpaper or emery cloth works well.

Larry's right about the lights... I'll add a suggestion that you pick up a book with the inland rules for lights, equipment, and rules of the road. <i>Chapman Piloting</i> and <i>The Annapolis Book of Seamanship</i> are the bibles--every skipper should have (and read) at least one of them.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2007 : 06:09:23

Why do you think you have a battery charger? How is the wiring from the motor connected to your 12 volt power? Your 89 should have two batteries behind the companionway steps.
On our inland lake it is customary to sail with the anchor light on so you can see the Windex on the top of the mast. Unintentional gybes are one of the few dangerous things about sailing and are far more likely at night of you cannot see the wind indicator. Many people sail with all lights burning including deck lights, I find that hurts my night vision. Purists will tell you to leave the anchor light off but it is a huge safety advantage for a new sailor. If anyone complains just tell them it is not your anchor light, its just your Windex light, (which Windex sells just for that purpose but no one has enough wires run to the top of the mast for both the anchor light and the Windex light).

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Jmurfy
Navigator

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USA
176 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2007 : 11:04:38

When I scan the horizon at night on Lake Michigan off of Chicago my night vision is really hurt by the cabin lights and even my Garmin GPS. This is a BIG problem due to the amount of boaters that go out for fireworks, special events, etc.. I dont use the anchor light because it may confuse another boater and if there is an accident I want to be legally covered. The running light is a differant story (I dont think anyone will be confused by that so I always have it on at night.

I highly recommend you take a boating course to better understand the regulations on lighting, right of way, etc..

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