Optimax 135 won't crank

[bushpilot47]

I have a 2004 Optimax 135 that ran fine last summer. When I go to start it this summer it won't crank over. I have replaced the batteries and battery wires. I have a 9.9 hp Honda trolling motor that is the same. clicks but won't turn over either. Same batteries. Also the tilt motor only hums when I try to tilt it. The "Smart gauge" (tach, hours, temp, etc.) shows 0.0 volts. The battery gauge shows 14+ volts. The voltage doesn't drop at all when I try to crank it. Connections on both outboards seem clean and tight. Since the problem is the same on both, I'm thinking something other that the engines. Out of ideas. Help!

 

[Silvertip]

Seem clean and tight is not a valid check. Disconnect them, make them shiny bright and reconnect. There are two ends to each cable so do both ends. The fact that both motors have the same issue says you either have a bad battery or the cables are at fault.

 

[Mi duckdown]

AGREE

 

[mikeboston47]

bad battery, and bad volt meter seems to me