Troubleshooting a Boat That Won't Start: Tips and Tricks
If you own a boat, you know that sometimes it can be tricky to get it started. Whether you're a seasoned boater or just getting started, there are a few things you should check before calling in the professionals.
In this video, we'll walk you through some common issues that could be preventing your boat from starting and offer up some tips and tricks for troubleshooting the problem.
Check Your Battery Switch
The first thing to check when your boat won't start is your battery switch. It may seem obvious, but sometimes it's easy to forget to turn it on if you're in a hurry. Make sure that your battery switch is turned on before attempting to start the engine.
Throttle Position
Next, make sure that your throttle is in neutral and upright. If it's slightly out of neutral or in gear, the safety systems in the computer won't allow the engine to start. This is an important step to ensure that everything is working correctly before trying to start the engine.
Safety Lanyard
All boats come equipped with a safety lanyard. Ensure that yours is securely fastened as an electrical connection or switch must be engaged for the engine to start.
Key Position
Check that your key is inserted correctly, especially if you have a Cobalt boat where they can be upside down. Once everything is set up correctly, try turning over the engine.
Low Battery
If you hear clicking sounds when trying to start your boat, this could indicate a low battery. If your boat has more than one battery, try going into the combined position on your battery switch. This should bring both batteries together and provide enough juice to start up the engine.
Once started, make sure that you turn off this combined position and return it back to its appropriate position so that both batteries are charging correctly.
Marine Grade Jump Pack
If all else fails, consider purchasing a marine grade jump pack. This portable battery pack can help get your boat started when nothing else works. You typically won't be able to use jumper cables on boats due to their location on waterways; therefore having one of these packs handy can save time and frustration.
Regular Maintenance
Finally, make sure that you're starting your boat regularly during boating season. Boats sit idle for long periods of time which drains batteries even faster than cars do since they don't have alternators constantly recharging them like cars do while driving around town.
By following these simple tips and tricks for troubleshooting common problems with starting boats, you'll save yourself time and money by not having unnecessary repairs done by professionals when it isn't needed!