258 Journey- 4 Battery 3 switch system

[JollyHo]

I just bought this boat and Im having trouble with the system. I cant get me auxiliary to work without the engine running. When I put a charger on the 2nd battery in on the starboard side I can get stuff to come on but its weak at best. The first batter in from Starboard tested about 9 volts so I'm charging that one right now.I don't see what that would make a difference. :bang :bang :bang :bang :bang Ive got twin 150s on her and they bother start no effort. It has two A/B/Both/Off switches and a smaller switch in the lower left hand corner of the panel. Anybody know where i can find a wiring diagram for this set up?

 

[DennisG01]

It's not quite clear what you have going on or what you are asking. You say "I don't see what would make a difference", but you also stated at least two batteries are weak/dead. I don't understand that?

But I don't think 4 batteries would have been standard issue. How are they hooked up? Series... parallel? Two banks... three banks? Gonna need more specifics - either a really good description or draw out a diagram of how things are wired. However, it sounds like you have at least one or two bad/weak batteries and possibly more. Possible issues could range between (and/or be a combination there of) bad batteries... wrong wiring... loose/corroded connections... and more. It's really hard to give any concrete information with limited info.

My suggestion, though... start by removing all batteries and charge them fully, then get each one load tested. Gotta start with fresh/good batteries before doing anything else. This will also give you a good chance to closely inspect the wiring and the connections. Get this done and then post back. It's useless to try and track down electrical issues if the power isn't good.

Can you post a picture of that 3rd switch?

There should be info about the batteries/switches/electrical diagram in your manual - you can also download it from GW.

 

[seasick]

Like Dennis says, get the batteries checked and charged. Then reinstall and then turn on one switch to Battery 1 and see which motor has power. You don't need to start the motor just see if the starter kicks in.
With that motor off, see what else works, like motor 2 ( it probably shouldn't) accessories, electronics etc. Make notes.
Now turn off all switches and then turn switch 2 to Batt 2. Now motor 2 should crank but not motor 1. Accessories like electronics etc may be wired to starting battery 2 or starting battery 1 or to neither in which case switch 3 selects which house battery is powering accessories. The BOTH selection on switch 1 and 2 could mean Both starting batteries or it could mean BOTH banks. I don't know how.

The second set of batteries may be harder to test since I don't know what the intended purpose was. They may be house batteries in which case, accessories wont work unless the third switch is on Batt 1, Batt 2 or BOTH. Avoid any BOTH settings for now. As mentioned, keep good notes, that will help understand and diagram how your batteries and switches are wired.