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This is the story of how my brother and I came to tow our boat to shore, by swimming.

I have a 1996 H200 w/ Volvo 5.0

Family was in the water swimming around, with the the radio on (only for 30 minutes max). The radio shut off, came back on, did this a couple times. I was concerned about the battery so I turned the radio off and cranked the engine. Not a hesitation, started as normal. Just to be sure, we drove around the lake a cruising speed for about half and hour. Volt gauge was showing 14+ volts, figured we were fine.

All gauges, engine, etc. were functioning 100% at this time.

When we stopped to do some skiing, I turned off the engine and tried to crank again, just because of what happened with the radio just prior.

Well, absolutely NOTHING happened. No guages, no lights, no horn, no starter, nothing. So my first thought was we had a bad battery and had been running on the alternator, and now had no juice to start up again. We did the usuall staring at the engine, checked the fuses, said a quick prayer. But had no luck.

So my brother and I grabbed a rope and started swimming to shore with the boat in tow. An hour and 1/2 later we were at the marina. Ever boat on the water must have been at the local 'concert on the lake' series. So we didn't see a soul.

Here is the kink. With a dead battery I wouldn't be able to raise the drive to travel. Well, out of frustration I mashed on the tilt and it raised. No hesitation. Sooo, my battery is, as it turns our, fine.

My next instict is to seek out a faulty ground or short.

But my question is, "is there a good place to start this hunt". Seeing as though my entire console including guages, lights, bilg, blower, ignition etc. is dead, is there a relay, main trunk multiplug fore of aft that might be a good starting point?

And yes, I am fairly sore this morning after my mile long tow!

Heavily corroded battery terminals? Loose/corroded ground wire to the engine block?

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Did you check the 50A Helm circuit breaker? If this popped, then you know you have a short somewhere in helm wiring. The tilt/trim, bilge pump, blower and nav lights should all work independent of the ignition switch. If those are still working, I'd start with the ignition switch itself. Could be the swith was going bad when you were listening to the radio (in the accessory position, right?), and then finally went out after your run. You could test it by 'hot wiring' around the switch, or using a multi meter checking for DC voltage. If nothing's working, then start at the fuse box and work your way back. Major bummer!

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Remind me to put a paddle into my ski locker.

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

50A Helm circuit breaker?

I think that may be a winner. That fits the scenario. Will check it tonight and report back. Thanks!!!

We got an emergency paddle, but it's a tough job from the bow of our H200.

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Brian
2007 Four Winns H200 - VP 5.0L GL/SX
2003 Chevy Avalanche Z66
Canyon Lake, TX

I don't know if you have it on a '96 engine, you probably do though; you could check that the big black plug ( with a hose clamp on it) that goes into a black box mounted on the Starboard riser is securely pushed into the socket. They have a reputation for coming loose. That plug feeds all the things you indicate to be dead.

Graham

This happened when my safety tether came off. It tripped the emergency switch and when I turned the key - nothing, ignition or gauges - but my trim still worked. Had me confused for about 15 minutes...LOL Boy did I feel stupid afterwardds

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21