Need advice on issues w 2001 Rinker 212 Captiva

[ss jteam]

Hi everyone,

1) Had a relatively new battery die on me.  I purchased a brand new one but it too lost its charge in just a couple of days.  So something is up...  My Marina is going to look at and put in a battery switch but does anyone have any experience or ideas on what may be drawing down the battery?  All the cockpit switches are off...
 
2) Something that may be related to #1 is, very suddenly, the trim motor stopped operating.  Has that happened to any of you?  Luckily the trim is full down so we can still use the boat and we had a GREAT time all day yesterday.  
 
3) Also, the front Navigation lights aren't working (even with new bulb).  That ever happen to you?  Could this be related to #1 and/or #2 above?
 
3) One more quick question on trailering...  The previous owner only took short trips and just secured the boat with the front strap.  Should I also use some transom tie-downs at the back of the boat.  Any recommendations on the type to use?

Thank you in advance for any help/advice.
All the best,
Steve

[Capt Ron]

Hi Steve,
Sounds like you are having some fun...LOL! here is what I think based on my experience:
1) Dead batteries are not uncommon for boats without battery switches. There are all types of parasitic draws like Merc Cathode, alternator field coils, radios, bilge pumps and etc. If you want a live battery when you go to use the boat, install a battery switch to make sure it disconnects everything on the boat except your bilge pump.
2) Check the breaker for your trim. I'm not too familiar with your boat, however, there is one aboard that may have tripped on you.
3) Check the breaker / fuse for your nav lights too.
4) Always use tie-downs on your boat. Everytime you hit even a small bump in the road, your boat will react by bouncing on the trailer bunks. Tie-downs will prevent this from happening.

Let us know how you make out.
Cheers,
Ron

[ss jteam]

Thanks Ron.  

Hopefully the battery switch will help with a bunch of these issues.  

For the Nav lights, the anchor light (on the same switch) is working so not sure it's the breaker...   Any other thoughts from anyone?

Anyone out there know where the breaker and/or fuse panel for the trim is?

Thanks again!
Steve

[ss jteam]

Hi everyone,
Today I discovered that the switch for the Nav/Anchor lights is getting power even with the switch in the off position.   Anyone have inputs on that?

Also, the trim motor still isn't working. I suspect it's an electrical problem but I still haven't been able to find the fuse and/or breaker box.  If anyone can guide me, I'd be very grateful.

Thanks in advance,
Steve