Battery isolator question, help needed asap !

Tireetim · 22 July 2011, 20:50

Hi, I was going to go out on my new rib tomorrow (Zodiac 500 with Yamaha F50) but I've just found that the battery isolator switch is playing up. I think salt water has corroded the contacts inside but you can't get inside to clean it (it's sealed). Anyway - I will sort this out when I can get the part but that won't be before this weekend. Will it be safe for me to just bypass the switch for a fishing trip tomorrow?
Thanks.

Tim.

Boats&Outboards · 22 July 2011, 20:56

Yes. Some boats don't even have them. It's primary feature is to prevent drain when not in use and also give the option to switch between supply if desired. It won't affect the running of the boat but bear in mind you won't be able to shut of the power quickly in the event of an emergency. Short term no probe but do get it fixed ASAP

Hope that helps

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

Tireetim · 22 July 2011, 21:03

Thanks for your quick reply Peter. That's great, I was just checking I hadn't overlooked something that could be a danger. My plan short term is to just disconnect the battery terminals after use to avoid battery drain etc. but hopefully it will only be a couple of days to get a new switch.
Great news, I'll get my fishing stuff ready !!!
Tim.

jwalker · 22 July 2011, 21:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tireetim

.... My plan short term is to just disconnect the battery terminals after use to avoid battery drain etc.

What have you got connected which will drain the battery? Normally there will be nothing that'll drain current that wouldn't be 'on' anyway. I have a main switch but never turn it off.

Courageous · 22 July 2011, 21:58

That'll be the beer fridge

spartacus · 24 July 2011, 10:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tireetim

Hi, I was going to go out on my new rib tomorrow (Zodiac 500 with Yamaha F50) but I've just found that the battery isolator switch is playing up. I think salt water has corroded the contacts inside but you can't get inside to clean it (it's sealed). Anyway - I will sort this out when I can get the part but that won't be before this weekend. Will it be safe for me to just bypass the switch for a fishing trip tomorrow?
Thanks.

Tim.

BlueSea battery isolator (on/off for single battery) is a quality piece of kit.

You shouldn't have to worry about corroded terminals. Use a bead of sikaflex around the hole before installing. http://www.caleymarineonline.co.uk/s...NumberID=90339

rarms · 24 July 2011, 12:15

Should it not be turned off as good practise to help avoid electrolysis?

wavelength · 24 July 2011, 14:40

Quote:

Should it not be turned off as good practise to help avoid electrolysis?

never been a problem in m'garage

boristhebold · 31 July 2011, 09:33

I had a battery isolator switch become flaky last year, I got a new one from Rib shop, one they recommended, again one of those things where it's worth getting advice and fitting a quality product.

9D280 · 01 August 2011, 10:40

Considering the power of those switches to bering an entire boat to a grinding halt, they are ridiculously bad at letting water in....

I made myself a short jump lead and used the spare nuts from the terminal posts of the dead switch to allow me a quick "bypass" if required. The spare nuts are above the ones holding the batt etc leads in place, and means i can add the jumpwere without all the wiiring falling off.

Of course by doing this I have ensured the current switch will last indefinitely.....