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Lost ALL DC Power - 2003 Carver Mariner 350

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by Scallywag2, May 19, 2014.

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  1. Scallywag2, May 19, 2014
    #1
    Scallywag2

    Scallywag2 New Member

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    While cruising, with the generator running, I lost all DC power onboard. Everything - blowers, instrumentation, lights, radio... I can start and run both engines and the generator just fine. Shore power works to power AC, etc, but still no DC anywhere. I've tripped and reset all the obvious:confused: breakers. Any thoughts?
  2. sam356, May 19, 2014
    #2
    sam356

    sam356 Member

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    It depend how your batteries are set up.You should have one to start engines one to start gen then your house batteries. I would say your house might be dead or your battery switch is bad.
  3. Scallywag2, May 19, 2014
    #3
    Scallywag2

    Scallywag2 New Member

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    Thx Sam356. I will check my house batteries. I have good batteries for each engine and the generator, but I'll have to determine how the 'house' is set up. Good advice to approach this at the battery.
  4. Capt J, May 19, 2014
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Also, check the battery charger for the house batteries, as on many yachts that is the only thing that charges the house batteries. There also may be a breaker for the entire house supply.
  5. Scallywag2, May 19, 2014
    #5
    Scallywag2

    Scallywag2 New Member

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    House battery charger

    Thx Capt J. I'll check out the charger as well. Appears to have charged the Engine and Generator batteries fine though. The batteries were depleted over the Winter and I charged them with shore power just last week when I got the boat ready to go in the water.
  6. NYCAP123, May 19, 2014
    #6
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Did the DC power go down slow (dimming lights, etc.) or did it shut suddenly. Try turning on one DC light to see if there's any life left. That answer should take you to either a bad battery or charger, or a breaker tripping or even a battery cable coming undone. I also suspect your house battery. You should change all batteries at the same time.
  7. Scallywag2, May 19, 2014
    #7
    Scallywag2

    Scallywag2 New Member

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    Battery or Charger

    NYCap123 - It appeared to go down slowly. So I guess I'm looking at the battery then the charger. Thank you for your help. Odd that it appeared to take a charge 2 weeks ago but will not take one now. Battery isn't just weak now. I don't have even the dimmest light.
  8. NYCAP123, May 19, 2014
    #8
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Most of us are usually OK one week and dead the next sooner or later. lol.
  9. Scallywag2, May 21, 2014
    #9
    Scallywag2

    Scallywag2 New Member

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    Problem solved

    I had a bad connection and the house batteries were not charging. All fixed and thanks for your help.
  10. K1W1, May 21, 2014
    #10
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    Good that you found a simple cheap fix.

    Thank you for posting the result as it completes the thread, so many ask questions and never say how the problem was solved.
  11. Pascal, May 21, 2014
    #11
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I would never accept a boat where the house bank can only be charged with a charger... This is a cheap short cut.The house bank should be connected to the main alternators for charging as well.

    Another thing that really gets to me is how builders fail to make volt and amp meters easy to view. Either they are not installed close to the helm or at hidden behind solid cabinetry. This is a really stupid practice... House bank voltage and amps should be visible, an easy fix is to replace the solid cabinetry door over electric panels with smoked lean.
  12. bobhorn, May 21, 2014
    #12
    bobhorn

    bobhorn Member

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    I agree completely, if the engines are running why not use them to charge the house bank. There is probably very little charging required for the start batteries so the alternators are essentially wasted.

    Bob
  13. gbarger, May 22, 2014
    #13
    gbarger

    gbarger New Member

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    Every Carver I have owned (3) and the ones I have delivered for others all charged the house bank from both an ac powered battery charger and from the engines alternators.
  14. Scallywag2, May 22, 2014
    #14
    Scallywag2

    Scallywag2 New Member

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    Charger vs Alternator

    All batteries do charge on this boat with both alternator and battery charger. Sorry for the lack of clarity on my part. I had loose and dirty connections that prevented the house batteries from being charged in any way. Cheers.