Now The Alternator???

[rpell1@msn.com]

Hi,

While out on a wonderful sail today, I noticed that, (while motoring back to my slip), the voltmeter on my engine control panel was only reading about 11 volts. I have a Universal M25XP motor.

Am I now on the verge of replacing the alternator?

Has anyone had this experience yet and if so, is there anything I'm missing?

Thanks and Happy Sailing.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Those voltmeters have about at least a 7% voltage drop to the panel and back. Get a voltmeter multimeter and check your batteries first before you go any further.

 

[Dean5735]

I use a fish finder for my depth, it shows voltage too and there is just that much difference from the control panel. Has your panel always read higher?

 

[rpell1@msn.com]

Thank You Much.....

Other voltmeters I've had on my other boat were accurate to about 1/2 volt. So, this is news to me.

Thanks for your relating your experience. I will bring my trusty Simpson down to check it out.

Happy Sailing,

Ralph

Those voltmeters have about at least a 7% voltage drop to the panel and back. Get a voltmeter multimeter and check your batteries first before you go any further.

 

[rpell1@msn.com]

Good Question.....

On my previous boat, I became accustomed to glancing at my guages to see if my pointers were straight up. I was doing the same on this boat, not realizing the variation.....So, I'm really not sure what it was previously reading.......

Now I will pay more attention.

Thanks

I use a fish finder for my depth, it shows voltage too and there is just that much difference from the control panel. Has your panel always read higher?