How do you find an electrical short in a boat?

Keep your battery switch ON and remove the cable connected to the positive terminal of your battery. Set your voltmeter to DC volts and measure the voltage between the disconnected cable and your battery’s positive terminal. If you get the rated battery voltages (12Volts in most cases), it means there is a short.

How do you find a stray current on a boat?

To check for stray current, with the boat in the water and the shore power disconnected, take the bonding wire off one of your through-hull fittings so it is totally disconnected from the bonding system. With your multimeter, measure the amperage that passes between the bonding-system wire and the through-hull.

What gauge wire should I use on my boat?

The ABYC recommends wire conductors of at least 16-AWG (gauge) for lights and other similar equipment. That’s minimum, and heavier gauge isn’t much more expensive — and generally no more trouble to install. We suggest you use 12- or 14-AWG to minimize your voltage drops, or more if the manufacturer suggests it.

How do you check a boat for voltage leaks?

Disconnect the positive battery cable and, with the meter set to the DC volts setting, take a voltage reading between the battery terminal and the cable. If it reads 12 volts — or any voltage, really — you have a leak.

What causes stray current on a boat?

Stray current corrosion occurs when metal with an electrical current flowing into it is immersed in water that is grounded (such as in any lake, river, or ocean). The current can leave the metal and flow through the water to ground.

Why does my boat have no power?

If you have checked the battery switch and charged the batteries, but your boat engine still won’t start, check the battery cables. Make sure the connections that run between the engine and the battery are not loose or corroded. Reconnect or replace any battery cables that have become disconnected or damaged.