Voltmeter reading 12 volts instead of 13.5 - 98 Sport Nautique GT40

[JimHughes]

First time out for the summer last Saturday and twice the starter sounded like it didn't have a full boost of power. Fortunately it started both times after I waited a moment. I noticed that the voltmeter was reading 12 volts instead of its normal 13.5 volts. The other year, the engine drained the battery after a few hours (it was reading 12 volts) and stranded us in the middle of the lake. Unfortunately, I can't remember how I fixed it! The battery is only a year old.

We are going boat camping in 2 weeks so I need to fix it SOON so I can test it next weekend.

Your advice is GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim

[WakeSlayer]

if you mean your voltage gauge, do NOT go by that. Use a multimeter at the battery terminals. Check your connections, and clean them regardless of what they look like.
Do a search, there are dozens of threads you can find about this kind of stuff.

[JoeSki]

I had a very similar experience with 98' sport last summer. I did everything Wakslayer suggested but was still having the same issue (with a new battery). Turns out the solenoid at the back of the motor was shot. We replaced it and its be running perfect since.

[JimHughes]

Thanks for the tips.