How to monitor power consumption ?

petem said:
Is there a simple way to help Peter Jaw here? Perhaps he has something that is draining the battery without his knowledge?
Click to expand...

Yes, this is what I most concern about. I don't have a refrigerator or air conditioner on my boat.
That is why I was thinking about monitoring the power consumption. From the reading of
something like BMV then I can judge if there is a "leak".

Before I can monitor the circuit, I will use battery 1 and battery 2 alternatively. Just to preserve
enough power to start up the engine.
 
As the boat is new and under warranty, wouldn't the dealer sort it out for him if there is a problem as he suspects?:confused:
 
Peter can start by listing all the electrics he has on the boat. Lights, hot water, electric toilet, aerated bait well, etc. And also, when the engine is off, how long does he fish for. A few hours and it shouldn’t drain a battery but a couple of days is different
 
Bouba said:
Peter can start by listing all the electrics he has on the boat. Lights, hot water, electric toilet, aerated bait well, etc. And also, when the engine is off, how long does he fish for. A few hours and it shouldn’t drain a battery but a couple of days is different
Click to expand...

In Peters First post he said just the plotter and fishfinder was on and it was only for an hour before the low voltage warning happened.
 
Dear All,
Thank you very much for inputs.
My boat is quite simple:
Chart plotter : on when fishing
Transducer : on when fishing (200 MHz only)
Radar : off when fishing
VHF : on ( watching on CH16, no signal transmitted/received)
Search light: off when fishing
LED lights in cabin: all off when fishing
Windlass : off (did not use at all, no need to drop the anchor)
Bluetooth player: off when fishing
Navigation light: off when fishing
====================================================================
There are all my devices that use electricity power. I have a gas stove which
uses propane.

Talking about "if I charge between use?" the answer is No. I did not charge
the battery between use. My last use was just 4 days ago.

I think other than buying a BMV, a clamp meter maybe a good way to start with.

We all know how the dealers face the warranty issue, they always have different
way of explaining before and after the warranty expired. Therefore, I need to have strong
and solid evidences first before approaching them.
 
Peter, even though your outboard has a very powerful alternator, it takes several hours to fully charge 200 amp hours. And it affects their life, and ability to hold a charge, if they are never fully charged.
Do you have electricity where you tie up your boat?
 
I just realized that I shut off the engine by pressing the button on the control panel. (Please see the yellow circle.)

565e2cb79e4620c6d7647762d1cb8ae3.jpg

While the engine was off, the ignition key was still in "ON" position.

It seems that if I don't turn the ignition key to "OFF" position then the pump of power steering wheel is still
working in standby mode which could be the reason why my battery was drained so fast?
 
Last edited:
Bouba said:
Peter, even though your outboard has a very powerful alternator, it takes several hours to fully charge 200 amp hours. And it affects their life, and ability to hold a charge, if they are never fully charged.
Do you have electricity where you tie up your boat?
Click to expand...

No, I don't have electricity tied up to my boat.
 
Last edited:
peterjaw said:
I just realized that I shut off the engine by pressing the button on the control panel. (Please see the yellow circle.)

View attachment 73927

While the engine was off, the ignition key was still in "ON" position.

It seems that if I don't turn the ignition key to "OFF" position then the motor of power steering wheel is still
working in standby mode which could be the reason why my battery was drained so fast?
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good explanation.
 
I think you found the source of your issue, no need to add anything to your nice new boat, before you get aquinted to her. Just follow the simple advice, use one of the two batts. there is no harm using one more than the other, and you know there is always a backup available. Good luck and enjoy!
 
BartW said:
I think you found the source of your issue, no need to add anything to your nice new boat, before you get aquinted to her. Just follow the simple advice, use one of the two batts. there is no harm using one more than the other, and you know there is always a backup available. Good luck and enjoy!
Click to expand...
I think I have found the problem, too. Next time, I will shut off the engine and turn the
ignition key to "OFF" position. If the warning never pops out, then this is it.

However, if the pump of Mercury power steering system always works even the engine is shut,
then they should say something about this in the user manual. But, at least I did not see
anything that is related to.

Anyway, appreciate for all of you and your advises.
 
peterjaw said:
I think I have found the problem, too. Next time, I will shut off the engine and turn the
ignition key to "OFF" position. If the warning never pops out, then this is it.

However, if the pump of Mercury power steering system always works even the engine is shut,
then they should say something about this in the user manual. But, at least I did not see
anything that is related to.

Anyway, appreciate for all of you and your advises.
Click to expand...
Having a boat is like being a detective. But the main thing is that you are fishing on your own boat:encouragement:
 
BartW said:
Het Battery monitor such as the Victron BMV700, can display consumption, battery charge status , battery voltage, etc and it can be programmed to give a alarm when values are reaching a certain level.
Click to expand...

I fitted 2 about 5 years ago. For me they are invaluable, especially when away at anchor for weeks at a time.
 
Peter, I think that if you had a 100w solar panel on the roof of Happy Peter all your electrical problems would end:)
 
Bouba said:
Peter, I think that if you had a 100w solar panel on the roof of Happy Peter all your electrical problems would end:)
Click to expand...
Hi Bauba,
Thank you very much for your suggestion. In fact, I am considering the solar panel.

How do you evaluate the power of solar panel that you need? For example, how do you know 100W is enough?

PS. This is off the original topic, maybe I should start another thread.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

N
Volvo Penta Alarm Module/Alternator Issues
Replies
1
Views
176
superheat6k
superheat6k

Share this page

Top