Trojan Boat Forum

I think I need a primer in shore power and the manual does not really help with this. Our F32 is now in her slip and plugged into shore power. I turned the red switch on to charge the batteries since one was low and would not start the port engine. Everything worked. 3 days later I turned the charger switch to off. Yesterday have of the circuits would not work (port engine would not turn over, other battery was very low, radio would not work, water pressure would not work). The frig, lights, wipers all worked. I flipped the red charging switch and then everything worked. What the heck am I doing?!

Scott-

Pics are a huge help for others to diagnose your problems!!

I have no "red switch" on my F32. I would offer this from what you are describing. Are the batteries brand new? if not, have them load tested, as they may no be holding a charge ( "I turned the charger off, nothing works, I turn the charger on, it all works") You may just need new batteries. Fridge would still work because it may be AC or AC/DC.

If the batteries pass load test, you have a power suck happening. You would need to isolate and fix

Is he by chance confusing the RED perko battery switches for charging switches? Pics would sure help with proper diagnosis.

As there are many switches photos would help along with location.

Above is the red switch which appears to turn on the charger

LOL, Didn't see that coming

Your symptom suggests bad batteries to me.... when last have you had them load tested? Take them to your nearest auto battery shop (or Batteries Unlimited) and have them charged and load tested.
What is the date of manufacture on them. What size, CCA?
If they are bad they likely will only start the engine soon after charging and not 12hrs after charge removed.

It was the batteries...port engine would not start again for our Father's Day cruise. Ran down to Walmart and bought 2 new ones and she fired right up (after I figured out it is important to have ALL the wired connected!). Had a great day on the water, docked like a pro at a resort but kind of muffed coming back to our slip. Oh well. Spent our first night on the boat too....awesome.