Losing amps

[navrep]

So, you have the means to measure the current, which makes a lot of the discussion redundant.
If you pull fuses and the current doesn't change, then what remains must be the culprit.
But, first you should consider the self-discharge or charging current of the batteries.
If you can disconnect each battery in turn, assuming you have several in a bank, then see if the current changes, or measure the current in/out of each battery.

There was no change with all fuses pulled - Q: I pulled fuses one at a time and then replaced, should I have pulled them one at a time until they were all out?

The plan was to use the current meter clamp to figure where the discharge was happening - I will try disconnecting batteries one at a time.

Unfortunately work keeps getting in the way and I have only been in the country for 2 weeks since April, back again soon so should be able to have a play

 

[Richard10002]

That's about 10 times what a navtext receiver should be consuming when it's on let alone off. Needs further investigation.

I sold the boat in 2010, and it sunk in the Gulf of Mexico in a hurricane in 2016.... so a 0.5A drain is the least of its' worries

 

[Glenlivet]

This might be a good time to check your anodes!

 

[VicS]

BEP DC current meter - and as the voltahe drops measured with a volt meter on the batteries when I was away for a couple of days I am inclined to believe it.

Presumably a digital DC systems monitor, not an analogue panel ammeter , monitoring the house battery bank current.

I would check the current reading you see using a multimeter on the DC 10amp range by disconnecting the monitor shunt to battery negative cable and reconnecting via the meter.


It is puzzling that you observe both house bank and starter battery losing volts at an equal rate. If that is not just coincidence then your battery wiring, switching and perhaps charging arrangements need a good looking at.

 

[ithet]

BEP DCM600 Monitor?

I have one of these and when I first got the boat it showed about 2.5A discharge with everything switched off, and low inputs from the mains charger. After I checked that nothing was indeed switched on or otherwise connected I re-zeroed the monitor (see instructions) it now reads sensible values.

 

[pvb]

BEP DCM600 Monitor?

I have one of these and when I first got the boat it showed about 2.5A discharge with everything switched off, and low inputs from the mains charger. After I checked that nothing was indeed switched on or otherwise connected I re-zeroed the monitor (see instructions) it now reads sensible values.

But the OP said his batteries were actually losing charge.

 

[CLB]

Any suggestions as to types to look at/avoid?

Something like this any good? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNI-T-UT...iaplay-Digital-Clamp-Meter-B2V8-/153000753458

I don't believe that one can read below 2 amps DC.

It is an issue with DC clamp meters, they are not in their element reading small currents. You have to be careful with zero-ing and check everything carefully.
But how are you aware of your rogue 1.9A?
where does this number come from?

I have that exact meter and it's an excellent bit of kit for the money. Happily diagnosed and located a 200mA drain on my car and would say it appears to be accurate down to single mA level.