Chris Debois

Yes, you are correct. It's very difficult for a novice to understand over the internet, too.

Morning all. I'm going back to the boat probably today with a clearer mind, I hope. So, if the starter motor is faulty and not charging to the correct voltage, the splitter/VSR will not then be able to switch the charging to the leisures?

Voltmeter. Not much left for me to get wrong today. If only you knew the half of it. ?‍♂️

I have been an idiot. When I installed the new batteries I failed to connect the negative cable between the starter battery and the leisures. I took a photo, laid everything out carefully and took my time to reinstall. Everything now appears to be charging up normally again. I will still fit the new splitter very soon. Thank you again for all the advice. Despite being the idiot, it was good to get stuck in and learn about things about my boat for the future.

Sorry, it's about 13.4 from the alternator into the splitter.

The presently installed splitter has three connections. Alternator in Starter out Leisures out. This new one doesn't appear to have a alternator in?

So yes, the splitter is outputting 14v+ to the starter and about 10.11v to the leisures. I have the new splitter here which I could change now but because a new one was installed previously I'm beginning to think cabling? On second thoughts there is no cabling involved? Or on second look I should say. 14v + into the splitter.

When taking the reading from the splitter output to the leisures I get a reading of 10.16v. (Assuming I am correct in putting the ammeter negative on the leisure battery?)

Just took battery readings, 10v, so still not charging. Will look at fitting new splitter now. They're the new batteries by the way.

I guess this is 'supposed' to read at least 12v after running the engine for 3 or 4 hours yesterday, 2 today, not using the invertor and with minimal 12v appliances?

I did a trip today with the engine running for 3 or 4 hours so when I go back to the boat in a couple of days time I will take some readings with my multi meter.

I've fitted the new batteries and everything is working fine at the moment. (Splitter has also arrived and ready to fit) Thank you for all the help. New question. This water pump is noisy and seems to be switching on and off. Does this indicate faulty pump, poor water flow into pump, or would an accumulater solve the problem?

Thank you. I ordered three of these earlier today.

Would three of these be ok? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Varta-LFD60-Leisure-Battery-12V-60Ah-Dual-Purpose-for-Caravan-Boat-Motorhome-/254811399919?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

The fridge is only about 10 feet from the batteries but I'm not sure the thickness of cable. I will check next time I'm at the boat.

Leisure battery recommendations given it is a high days and holidays boat, not live aboard? I can't be bothered going back to the chap who did the boat for me (and told me the batteries were new) so I can stomach maybe £120 per battery?

So, it's the batteries?

Thank you for all the advice so far. I should have mentioned previously that one of the things that happens is that when the fridge (12v Shoreline) switches on, the voltage drops to below 11v and it turns itself off again. This happens mostly at night, so I assume this is because the solar panel is not charging the batteries at this point and there isn't enough to power the fridge?

Many thanks Alan, I will order one now. Best, Chris.

Thank you. Can you recommend/link me to one please. Much appreciated.

Assuming it is correct to use the battery negative to take the readings, these are the numbers. 13.5v at alternator. (Input to splitter) 12.5v (output from both splitter connections) So have I been unlucky to have two splitter units fitted that are not working properly? I am learning, so thank you for your patience.

13.5 when revved hard at alternator. (Input to splitter)

OK, 13.26v from the alternator.

I'll try to get down to the alternator now to see output from there.

Clearly not charging properly because it should read 14v + with engine running?