Intermittent Issues with Starting - 2000 Super Air

[nwelch93]

Hello PN,

I currently have a 2000 Super Air and I'm having some issues with starting the boat. Once the boat is running have 0 issues. To add some additional information this only seemed to start happening after I installed PerfectPass.

The main issue is as follows:
I will key in my code to give power to the dash, then following pushing start for the second time the dash will fully power up. At this stage the PerfectPass will start blinking/beeping. I'm currently under the theory that since adding PerfectPass I'm drawing too much power from the battery, meaning the PerfectPass gauge is not getting enough power until the motor/alternator is running.

I will have to continually push the start button over and over until it finally catches and I'm able to start the engine. I'm wondering is my theory correct? and a second battery would solve this issue? Or am I incorrect and a single battery should be able to power and start the boat?

The boat has a modest sound system with only 4 internal speakers and no tower speakers. Appreciate any help and happy to provide more information.

[NautiqueJeff]

Two things.

There is a known issue with the dash systems not being grounded very well in these boats. Adding PerfectPass makes this worse. You might try running a new ground wire to the engine block from the dash in order to restore proper power to all things on the dash.

My guess is that while the ground issue may be a problem, it is more likely that you're experiencing a starter relay that's failing, or possibly a keypad that is starting to fail. When you hit start, do you hear a click in the engine compartment, but get no crank? If so, the starter relay is likely failing, especially if this is a GT40 engine. Very common issue, and a relatively easy and inexpensive fix.

Otherwise, the keypad may be failing. That's an easy replacement, but the keypads aren't exactly cheap.

You definitely are not overstressing the battery just by powering up the dash. Adding a second one will not fix this issue, especially if eventually you are able to start the boat.

[nwelch93]

Hi NautiqueJeff

Appreciate the reply. When I hit start nothing will happen until once it 'catches' and then I can hold it to start the boat. I actually replaced the Keypad with a brand new keypad last summer believing that could be an issue.

I will check next time to see if I hear a click but don't think I do its silent outside of PerfactPass beeping on and off until I am able to start it. Ground issue or the starter relay could be an interesting thing to investigate but not sure how comfortable I am in my abilities to investigate replace the relay.

[NautiqueJeff]

I bet it is the starter relay. A new keypad should last longer than that.

[nwelch93]

Ordered a Heavy Duty starter relay and going replace that and see if that helps. Thanks Jeff

[SilentSeven]

+1 for Jeff's comments on power issues to the PP. On my 2004, I put in a dedicated circuit for the PP. To do this, I installed a relay that was triggered by the existing PP hot lead but the relay switches power taken directly from the hot/ground lugs on the back of the power distribution / fuse center mounted in my footwell. I had to do something similar for '97 as well. While this won't solve your start problem, I would recommend doing something like this as pretty much ends all odd issues caused by low voltage or poor grounding through the dash harness to the PP.