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So we decided to go out in the boat yesterday for a cruise. I went to crank the boat and only have 9.6 volts on the main battery. I wasn't surprised as that interstate battery has not been great. I flip the perko switch to include the house battery as well. My voltage registers at 11 now. I thought hmm that sucks, but the alternator should charge as we are underway if it cranks. Well I push the button and it is sluggish cranking, but once the engine fires it purrs fine. I slowly back away from the dock and start my turn to head out. My buddy has the coffin cushion open getting something out. He asked, what's that smell? I look at the dash and my voltage is jumping from 9-14 volts. After putting the boat in neutral I walk over to him. It is an odd burning smell. I open the gull wing seat where the batteries are stored. I still smell it, but can't figure out where it's coming from. I turn around and see smoke coming from the engine bay. I open the engine lid and see the alternator smoking pretty good. I immediately turn the key off, pull the kill switch, and turn off the perko switch. Unfortunately the alternator still continues to smoke. I grab my pliers and remove the negative battery cable. We fan all the smoke away for a few minutes. I am shocked, disappointed, and dumbfounded.
After all the smoke had cleared, I decided to take it one step at a time. I put the battery cable back on, then the kill switch, followed by turning the perko switch on. By this time the alternator is smoking again. I immediately pull the negative cable again. We get towed back to the dock without much issue.
What would cause this to happen? Have you ever experienced an alternator "burn up" in use? Just to be clear there was never an actual fire just smoke. But something was burning to make that smell and smoke. What is the likelihood of any of the other electrical components being damaged?
I assume the alternator would be covered under the boats 5 year warranty, correct? My issue is that I am 3 hours away driving through Atlanta traffic from my "local" dealer. I can change the alternator myself, but I worry other damage may have been done.
After all the smoke had cleared, I decided to take it one step at a time. I put the battery cable back on, then the kill switch, followed by turning the perko switch on. By this time the alternator is smoking again. I immediately pull the negative cable again. We get towed back to the dock without much issue.
What would cause this to happen? Have you ever experienced an alternator "burn up" in use? Just to be clear there was never an actual fire just smoke. But something was burning to make that smell and smoke. What is the likelihood of any of the other electrical components being damaged?
I assume the alternator would be covered under the boats 5 year warranty, correct? My issue is that I am 3 hours away driving through Atlanta traffic from my "local" dealer. I can change the alternator myself, but I worry other damage may have been done.
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