Yesterday on the water fishing for 6 hours motor started fine about 4 times in between fishing spots (about one hour total run time). Got to the dock to back my trailer in and when I got back to the boat the merc wouldn't start. Got the beep, and it tried to start but I don't think even one cylinder compressed/turned over before the starter stopped. I turned the key about 5-6 times (spaced apart by a few minutes) with same results. I disconnected and reconnected/tightened the battery, same result. I used jumper cables off a trolling motor battery. It took a minute or so before it would turn, but it did and I got it started to load onto my trailer.
It sure seemed like a low battery but I got it home and the battery was showing 12.48 volts on a digital voltmeter which seems well within the envelope for starting. (Note I was getting low volt alarm on Fishfinder set at 11.5 volts, but that's happened before when the finders are turned on and pulsing...) The batts are about 6 months old and all fluids are good. This morning I went to troubleshoot and checked all the fuses and found a 25 amp fuse blown on the engine (its in the picture--fuse bank on the right, the white 25A fuse with black ink marks I put on it).
My setup: 24v trolling system (Ulterra) separate from starting/house battery.
House batt used for starting and powering electronics (helix 10 mega, helix 7 g2n, network switch).
On board 3 bank charger always plugged in when stored.
Tracker 175 TF stock except for electronics/TM.
I know the finders draw about 4 amps combined but never had the problem before.
Of course I will replace the fuse, but does anyone know what circuit this fuse protects? I'm trying to determine what caused it to blow, and how to keep it from doing so again. Any troubleshooting help is much appreciated.
It sure seemed like a low battery but I got it home and the battery was showing 12.48 volts on a digital voltmeter which seems well within the envelope for starting. (Note I was getting low volt alarm on Fishfinder set at 11.5 volts, but that's happened before when the finders are turned on and pulsing...) The batts are about 6 months old and all fluids are good. This morning I went to troubleshoot and checked all the fuses and found a 25 amp fuse blown on the engine (its in the picture--fuse bank on the right, the white 25A fuse with black ink marks I put on it).
My setup: 24v trolling system (Ulterra) separate from starting/house battery.
House batt used for starting and powering electronics (helix 10 mega, helix 7 g2n, network switch).
On board 3 bank charger always plugged in when stored.
Tracker 175 TF stock except for electronics/TM.
I know the finders draw about 4 amps combined but never had the problem before.
Of course I will replace the fuse, but does anyone know what circuit this fuse protects? I'm trying to determine what caused it to blow, and how to keep it from doing so again. Any troubleshooting help is much appreciated.