A Dumb Mistake Strands Us At The Fuel Dock!

Ed, once again you impress me with your machanical analysis and solutions. A great skill that pays you back big time. You deserve an extra sundown cocktail!

I really appreciate the technical blow by blow guys. It improves my diagnostic and problem solving skills

Nice video, every boater makes dumb mistakes, lots of them. One idea -- maybe it's time to go from a dumb 1979 trickle charger to a 2024 "smart" trickle charger that won't fry the batteries. Love Guana Cay, but I was sad when the lovely undeveloped north end was turned into snooty, ultra-private Baker's Bay.

May the adventure continue ~ there will always be a challenge ~ you dealt with the issue very efficiently ~ another learning experience - love your episodes Cheers

If I had a free night's moorage for every "dumb mistake" I've made, I would never have to pay for moorage again. And, seems to ALWAYS happen at the most inopportune time, very familiar with that "stress" feeling...safe travels!

Love yur vids. We have a ‘87 Chris Craft, spent 5 months in the Bahamas and it’s always something! We broke a control cable in Eleuthera, our frig broke, batteries died in Ft. Pierce. Uggg that’s boating!!

You don't have a crossover. Once you get one engine going you should be able to use that battery to start the other engine. I don't understand why you have this problem. Also with the generator running you should be able to charge your mains. I don't get it.

Great troubleshooting once again Captain Ed!!

Consider switching to AGM batteries and a new smart charger. 40 year old equipment is just old to rely on.

Another description for a Dumb Charger is a “Constant volt”. In 1979 that is all they knew how to make. It converts AC to DC at a constant voltage and as the battery comes up to full capacity the charger has no way to know this and just keeps sending that constant voltage to the battery. This is turn boils the water from the battery and left unchecked will expose the top of the lead plates to air which each time it happens reduces the life of the battery. Nigel Calder has an expression: Lead Acid Batteries do not die they are murdered. Some of the best dollars you spend on your boat will be for a modern multistep charger. The newest ones can charge multiple banks with multiple battery chemistries.

That wasn't a dumb mistake, it shouted at you:) Cheers, Rik Spector

"The lesson is, Don't Brush Your Teeth!" Roger Out at 10:09 is Lyn's perfect, traditional way to close out a scene... nailed it! (*It could have been a bit louder though, for us Roger Out aficionados.)

Sounds like they need a complete overhaul or at least a PM Prevention, of maintenance of that boat. Too many issues lately small issues but too many.

Loved the skipper hat hitting scenes!!!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Everybody always has a better idea... me too.. My second generator is completely independent, separate 24v batteries, separate battery charger. So even if I drain the house 32v side, AND the 32v cranking side, I can still get a Generator started. And if i lose the main battery charger, I carry a 32v/120v golf cart battery charger. Enjoy Nippers for me!

I'm not a boater but I have a motorcycle. You need a battery tender, not a charger. They will cycle the battery and not constantly try to charge it.

Sounds like time to upgrade to a smart charger for those long hiatus times. Not sure if you have a lithium jump box, if not it would be a good idea as well. Nice ones will jump diesels, and some will do 24v systems at high cranking amps. And they are handy little power supplies when needed,

OMG …a 1970’s era charger! Go buy a (or more) trickle charger. I use them on my cars when I’m away for months at a time. They are "smart" and keep the batteries topped up as necessary. Less than $30 for the charger.

Sounds like its time for new batteries and a new battery charger. Maybe even separating the banks and having a dedicated starting batteries for the engines. I figured they would have been separated from the house bank. Glad you got it worked out. I would look into upgrading to lithium for your house bank.

I'm going to AGM Rolls batteries this fall. I'm tired of watering the batteries and have them gassing!