Hello All,
*First Post - Please tell me if I do anything wrong!*
First time sailboat owner here. Boat is in great shape with mostly everything functioning. Took it out on its first cruise last weekend in some easy waters to get a feel for her and to work out any kinks. Found a few small issues, with the most pressing being the unreliable starting of the motor. I want to get this sorted out ASAP as I don't want to be in a sticky situation where I need power and am unable to start.
The issue is with engaging the starter, the motor runs well. Throughout the trip it was variable on how many attempts it took to start the motor, sometimes it would engage first try, other times it took ten tries. On our final approach into our harbor on the last day it wouldn't start at all and we had to sail back and forth for a bit, troubleshooting, until we finally got it started by tapping the starter motor with a wrench.
I turn the key, loud warning beep is audible, push the "start' button. I can see and hear that current is being drawn. The beep changes pitch and the warning lights dim slightly, however the starter does not engage. With the engine compartment open I can hear a "click" near the starter/solenoid when I push the starter button. Managed to get it started using a hammer and tapping on the starter while pressing the button.
I see two options here,
I appreciate any help,
Cheers!
*First Post - Please tell me if I do anything wrong!*
First time sailboat owner here. Boat is in great shape with mostly everything functioning. Took it out on its first cruise last weekend in some easy waters to get a feel for her and to work out any kinks. Found a few small issues, with the most pressing being the unreliable starting of the motor. I want to get this sorted out ASAP as I don't want to be in a sticky situation where I need power and am unable to start.
The issue is with engaging the starter, the motor runs well. Throughout the trip it was variable on how many attempts it took to start the motor, sometimes it would engage first try, other times it took ten tries. On our final approach into our harbor on the last day it wouldn't start at all and we had to sail back and forth for a bit, troubleshooting, until we finally got it started by tapping the starter motor with a wrench.
I turn the key, loud warning beep is audible, push the "start' button. I can see and hear that current is being drawn. The beep changes pitch and the warning lights dim slightly, however the starter does not engage. With the engine compartment open I can hear a "click" near the starter/solenoid when I push the starter button. Managed to get it started using a hammer and tapping on the starter while pressing the button.
I see two options here,
- Starter motor is failing and needs replacement
- There is not enough current getting to the starter motor from the panel to engage the starter
I appreciate any help,
Cheers!