Volvo Penta and Batteries question

[rwa95]

Hi all,

I have a ‘19 R5 Surf with 350VP. I am having trouble with the batteries and sometimes have to go from the normal battery position to two battery position, even just to get the blower to come on. Also getting an intermittent ’low voltage’ that comes on in the single battery position.

Any suggestions?

[jhnmdahl]

How old are the batteries? If they're original in a 2019 boat, it may be time to replace one or both. Most places that sell car batteries can do a load test and/or other tests on the battery to estimate what condition the battery is in, which may help reassure you that the problem isn't someplace else.

If it's not bad batteries, it could be alternator, some parasitic draw on the batteries, or any host of other problems.

[bruceb58]

Charge both of your batteries and either load test them yourself or bring them in and get them load tested.

How old are they and have they ALWAYS been stored fully charged.

[Titaniumboy]

Check the connections at the battery switch also.

[rwa95]

Thanks everyone. I’ll do that and report back. They are original batteries, I know that for sure.
If I end up replacing, I’d appreciate suggestions on what to buy.

[jhnmdahl]

I've just been buying the dual-purpose group 24 batteries from Costco - they can't deep discharge like a deep cycle battery but are arguably better equipped to provide high current for engine starting. They're cheap enough I just plan to replace one every few years, with the fresh battery always being the starting battery.

John