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I have hung out here for awhile, posted a few things and made some comments that past year or so. Had trouble logging in, so had to change my name. I purchased new 170 in May of 2020 and haven’t had any issues. Had the boat out last Sunday, and all was fine, and then Friday afternoon, battery was nearly dead. Boat wouldn’t turn over, and couldn’t raise the engine (170hp Merc 4 stroke). I put the charger on it for about two hours, and took it out Friday night and it was fine.

I am electrically and electronically challenged (stupid) but I disconnected the negative cable, and put my volt meter on, and something is drawing power. I have a friend who is an electrical engineer with vast experience in electronics help me out here. But was wondering a few things.

So the two bilge pumps are always “live” so would they be drawing some power? My friend should be able to determine how much current is being drawn? But how much is typical?

I am charging the battery overnight, and will have it tested to see if it is the problem.

Also, when I turn the ignition to on, just prior to starting, there is about buzz that from the engine for about 5 seconds. Not sure if that is typical, as generally I turn it to on, and then to start right away. I don’t have a radio or anything that has to have the ignition in order to operate, such as a sound system or special lights.

Sorry if this isn’t much to go on, I don’t even have enough experience to ask the right questions. Give me a set of blue prints, and a piles of lumber and materials, and I could build a house easier than diagnosing electronics.

Thanks.