Hello to all!

[journeyman]

I'm a new poster but not a new Grady owner. Did not know this site existed until last winter. I'm still reading all the old posts and am amazed at all the "know-how" here!

My first Grady was a 99 adventure. Great boat! My wife and I visited our local Grady dealer last year and fell into an 06 258 Journey floor model. Couldn't resist! We Trailered her all last season and while it was not too bad, we got a slip this year @ Cape Ann Marina. Got her in 2 weeks ago and am looking forward to another great year fishing and diving. Will post pics when I'm logged in @ home.

I hope my first question is an easy one and please do not use this to measure my boating knowledge. When I was having a late dinner on board last night listening to some tunes, I turned on my spreader lights and my stereo cut out. I thought strange. Tried several times with the same results. Also, same results with dome light, trim tabs and several other circuits. I just don't remember this happening last year and before I visit my dealer, I was wondering if this is normal?

Thanks in advance and look forward to participating in future posts.

 

[wahoo33417]

Jim: I'm sure others will have some good suggestions. I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to welcome another Journey owner - so welcome aboard!

Rob

 

[Anonymous]

Yes.

 

[Tashmoo]

I agree, batteries are low. I had a similar problem last week, a brand new battery with the GPS, Depth finder, satellite weather and radio running while on teh slip and then the depth finder alarmed loss of signal for what appeared to be no reason. When I went to start the engine click-click-click battery was dead as dead can be.

Try charging your batteries and see if it happens again.

 

[journeyman]

Thanks for the replies. I half considered installing a battery charger before I put her on the slip. Guess I should have pulled the trigger. I'll get up there today or tomorrow and inspect those batteries. I gave them both a good charge before getting the boat wet.... Seemed OK. Maybe just too much time tied up and not enough forward motion. Work just keeps gettin in the way of having fun!

 

[plymouthgrady]

batteries

I would suggest having them tested with a multimeter with a load put on them (the units do it, you don't have to run your boat!)
I know others will disagree with me but my thoughts on batteries are the heavier, the better. Go with at least matching dual purpose.
I like to call starting batteries, all bark and no bite. Plenty of cranking amps but you'll piss right through the RC.
D.P.'s and deep cycles are designed for multiple charges and discharges and will run all your electronics longer.

 

[journeyman]

OOPs --- My bad :?

Remove batteries and brought them to my local dealer and he load tested them for me. Tested OK. Suggested that I may have missed a ground when I hooked them up and sure enough... DUH! Oh well, I'll chalk that one up to newboatitis. Thanks to Clyde @ Baert Marine. And thanks to you all who responded. Problem solved. It's funny how even with the Ground wire to the helm was disconnected, everything still worked???? Though obviously, not properly.

I'll attempt some pics here. Hope it works.

 

[journeyman]

Think I figured it out.......

 

[striped bass]

Interesting. I just installed two new starting batteries 850s (charged before installation) and the trim tabs do not respond. All else works very well. Looks like I have some detective work to do. Any suggestions.

 

[journeyman]

Third times a charm, just like my batteries

 

[journeyman]

Hey Striped Bass. First, and I speak from humbling experience, check all connections @ your battery! The wires on mine fell down next to a bundle and it's kind of tight back there for somebody 6' 5" and 230#. Next, I'd check for a blown fuse.

Last year I had a problem with my trim tab indicator. Tabs worked good but the position indicator was defective.

Good Luck -- Wiring has always been my week spot.

 

[striped bass]

Thanks. I'll check it out tomorrow first thing. All other items work fine which is confusing.

 

[striped bass]

journeyman:
Thanks for your sage advice. You were right on. I checked the connections at the battery and everywhere else. The fuse panel under the starboard console has some corrosion which was impeding the electric current flow. A little sandpaper on the fuse panel fittings and all is well again.