Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Jason, Go to Radio Shack and buy a digital volt-ohm-meter. They are relatively cheap, just make sure it's digital - Besides it's also handy for trouble shooting other boat /trailer/truck electrical issues and they are almost idiot proof. ....Red lead to positive and black lead to negative. Set the meter to read DC voltage (DCV). Check the battery voltage with the charger off. A fully charged 12V battery will read ~12.7V at rest (8 hrs after charging). If it's fully charged- turn on some of the electrical loads to discharge the battery a bit- lights, radio, etc. with the meter connected. Then turn on the charger and check the voltage at the starting battery - it should rise up to read ~ 13.5 to 13.8VDC as the battery is charging if it's a sealed no-maintenance, a wet cell would be 13.5 - 14.4V depending on the charger settings. If you don't see a change in voltage when you turn on the charger, you have a charger problem. Each bank probably has it's own fuse. I'd check the fuse first. Set the VOM to read Ohms - when you touch the meter leads together it should read zero (0). Then measure the fuse - the fuse should read almost zero if it's good.
Another handy item to have in the boat is a set of alligator leads - they are real handy if you have a switch or wiring problem while on the water. You can jumper the switch or wiring problem and continue to fish. Get the ones that are ~ 15" long and ~ 16AWG. (again Radio Shack). They typically come in a color coded multiple set. That way you also don't have to hold the meter leads on the battery- just clip an alligator lead to each meter lead and clip the other end to the battery (now you're hands free).
If you're not sure about the meter, ask the salesperson to show you how it works- most are electrical geeks and will glady demonstrate their higher understanding of all things electrical for lesser mortal's.
Good luck!
Al
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