Getting small shocks (static type(?)

[Jim Robbins]

Hi, a buddy and me were out trolling spoons in the St. Clair River (FW, 42 deg. ) downriggers were down (17 - 25 ft.) and we noticed that we were getting small shocks when touching various items. We have not noticed this before, any ideas? Thanks

 

[jhebert]

Re: Getting small shocks (static type(?)

Was there an engine with spark ignition and a battery charging circuit in operation?

 

[Jim Robbins]

Re: Getting small shocks (static type(?)

No, trolling with 9.9 Johnson and key to 140 HP Mercruiser is off. Never received shocks other years....?

 

[jhebert]

Re: Getting small shocks (static type(?)

No, trolling with 9.9 Johnson and key to 140 HP Mercruiser is off. Never received shocks other years....?

Doesn't the 9.9-HP engine have spark plugs? Is it connected to a battery?

 

[mxcobra]

Re: Getting small shocks (static type(?)

probly all the empty beer cans

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Getting small shocks (static type(?)

the shock you fell is when 2 objects of diffrent potential bond and equalize. so either you or the boat has voltage and by touching you equalize. using a volt meter you can scan for a voltage leak by putting one prob where you remember getting shocked then sweep the other around to see if theres any stray voltage. im thinking but im not going to say just in case you have a generator or something you havent mentioned that it was a cool dry windy morning (windy on boat) you was proberly wearing a jacket made of nylon and that is perfect conditions for static build up in which case a simple test is to hold a piece of metal like a key then touch a metal object if it sparks and you dont fell it then its static if you only get shocked when you touch 2 metal things then ground between them so one doesnt build a charge thats unequal to the other

 

[jhebert]

Re: Getting small shocks (static type(?)

While waiting for the answer to the inquiry about the 9.9-HP engine, let me suggest this diagnostic test: the next time you experience the shocks, shut of any engine that is running, then test for the shocks again. Let us know the results of that test.