Battery Drain - Chaparral 246 SSI

[Lt. Dan D]

I bought a Chaparral 246 SSI and it runs great. It has relatively new batteries but I noticed that they drain very quickly (about a day) if I do not turn off the Pergo switch after using the boat. I made sure that all known drains are turned off such as the depth finder. I know that there are constant drains such as the radio memory, possibly CO detector, etc. But is this normal and something I just need to adapt to? My last boat (Four Winns 220 Horizon) didn't have this issue. In fact it only had one battery and could go at least a month before draining the battery. Any opinions from other owners?

 

[bruceb58]

Take off one of the battery leads and measure the current with everything off with a multimeter.
If you want to figure out which circuit is causing the draw, pull out each fuse in your fuse panel one at a time and see which one has the draw on it.

 

[alldodge]

Agree with Bruce and would suggest the first thing to remove is the alternator output lead.

 

[bruceb58]

Agree with Bruce and would suggest the first thing to remove is the alternator output lead.

Agreed. A bad regulator or diode tree could cause an issue as well

 

[Lt. Dan D]

Thanks Bruce and guys. Will try that this weekend.

 

[Wsrc]

I have the same boat/ model/ year. I know this will not help your current dilemma, However, the salesman was adamant when I purchased the boat to always turn the switch off after each use. Sometimes 1day-use apart. I’ve been very fortunate. Just left the marina dock where it cranked perfectly after sitting in cold water(although I have a engine room heater) for 3 months. Good luck in finding the problem ! GREAT BOAT !!