Out of the 3 batteries, how do I know which one is for starting is which for trolling

[wannalearn]

tarfu is right wannalearn, I wouldn't buy another battery untill I found whatever it is that's putting a load on it. It could be a short or even something like dash lights or ignition being on. Anytime you see sparks when you touch cables to the posts, especially close to the gas container, you need to find the power drain asap, if for no other reason than safety. If you put a new one in, it will be pulled down just like the old one. There should be no closed curcuits on those cables if everything is off, if there is still current, it would probably be a short. Check every switch on the boat to make sure nothing is turned on.

WEll in this boat, there's this little switch that the previous owner install so turn everything off. If that switch if off, all the electrical components onboard will not operate (except the trolling motor).

[labill]

WEll in this boat, there's this little switch that the previous owner install so turn everything off. If that switch if off, all the electrical components onboard will not operate (except the trolling motor).

If that's the case, and you're sure about the switch, it will probably be a short. I edited in another way to test the cables in my first post, give it a try if you have a volt/ohmmeter.

[wannalearn]

labill,
in you previous post, you suggested removing the cables from the battery. But that's the thing that's i'm afraid of when re-connecting the cables from the battery, because I've replace car's battery before. And when re-connecting the cables to the battery (I always do the Pos first, then the Neg) I'd always get sparks (not a whole lot).

[labill]

labill,
in you previous post, you suggested removing the cables from the battery. But that's the thing that's i'm afraid of when re-connecting the cables from the battery, because I've replace car's battery before. And when re-connecting the cables to the battery (I always do the Pos first, then the Neg) I'd always get sparks (not a whole lot).

That's more than likely just the clock in a car, or a dome light if a door is open, or the light under the hood. Even an insignificant load will cause sparks when connecting the cables, and you will still get the sparks regardless of what order the cables are connected. The most important thing is to make sure what you do is safe, like removing the battery or the fuel tank to avoid a fire. One thing I know for sure is that there is a closed circuit in your boat causing the sparks and the draining of the battery, if you don't feel comfortable about doing the troubleshooting, you might want to take it to a mechanic and have him take a look at it. It could even be a bad circuit in the outboard since it's a cranking battery.

[papasage]

conect a meeter to battery and turn on the troling motor and see if it dropps .do the same with the gass motor . you will know what is what

[tarfu]

howdy wannalearn; have ya found out what the problem was and have ya gotter done yet? tarfu

[wannalearn]

howdy wannalearn; have ya found out what the problem was and have ya gotter done yet? tarfu

I replaced the battery since it doesn't hold charge. It's pretty old anywayz.
The motor now starts everytime with the new battery installed.
Thanks for your help. I'm sure I'll be having more questions later as i'm very very new to this.