www.iFourWinns.com

OK Guys:

This post is on two topics. First, dkelly has a house battery draining issue which I joined in. Second, is the First Mate Module post I started yesterday.

House battery, we got a lot of good ideas from several members, some I had thought of, some I didn't. Thanks again guys.

When the battery switch was removed the plug I disconnected is P62 on the Battery switch panel assembly drawing. The brown / orange wire powers the aft bilge, shower sump pump, and first mate module. ( SEA KEY ) Removed power from sea key this AM, looks like problem solved.

First Mate Module, firecadet- you planted the seed. good job.
dkelly- Check the Helm Systems Harness Assembly drawing, page 4, towards the top center.
97_245_sd- as soon as I read Onstar in your reply the light lit up. many thanks.

Since my boat and I are never far apart the Sea Key isn't that important to me, so it stays disconnected.

dkelly, I hope this fixes your problem too. Since your boat is moored a solar panel for your house battery would be a good idea. Don't know what Sea Key costs but if you were subscribed you should have been notified of a low voltage situation.

Sorry for being so long winded.

9BALL

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2005 V268

Glad I could help!

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Terry
Current: 07 Crownline 255 CCR cuddy - 350 Mag MPI/B3 "Casi Cielo"

Previous:97 245 Sundowner 5.7GI/SX

Tow vehicle: 1986 GMC 2500 Camper Special 454/TH400

I so want to leave my office and row out to the boat right now!!! I hope mine is the SeaKey as well and that this information helps someone else down the road. I too have to hand it to 97_245_sd with the OnStar comment! Big lightbulb came on when I read it! Never used or plan to use it so it gets disconnected the next time I get out there! I never really thought of the solar charger since I never really had any battery issues before this and also since I added the Honda EU200i, I am set for overnights.

I second 9Ball's comments about how great this site is as well as the people on it. Being a total boating newbie, many members have been helpful with many questions.
Here's to a great season for everyone!

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2005 Vista 268 "ALTEAN"

Thanks 9BALL. How hard was it to disconnect? I assume just pull it from the dash and remove the wires?

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Easy, remove the 2 screws holding it in and pull wire.

9BALL

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2005 V268

So remember how I stated I was a newbie w/ a lot to learn? So I was eager to see where I missed the First Mate module on the "wiring diagram" in my manual. It is nowhere to be found. Then I notice on the bottom of the page it says 03/00. So I go to the FW site and get the info under 2005 Vista 268 and boy do I find much more detailed and thorough diagrams! So here's where it gets funny/I get kinda mad/ I feel sort of stupid; Have I been using an old manual (came w/boat in fancy FW bag) all along? I think so! On the bottom of every page I now see 03/00. So I downloaded the manual from the FW site and it looks nothing like mine!

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2005 Vista 268 "ALTEAN"

Contact FW. You will most likely get sent a paper copy of the new manual. I had to do that when I bought my boat last year.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Just be sure to put a bag or some sort of seal around the end of the wire. Don't want that wire to corrode by being left exposed. I pulled mine out in order to gain better access to change the spark plugs, and never reinstalled it. The service is worthwhile, I suppose, but the startup fee was rather steep.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Now I am confused (again!). I thought the unit was at the helm. Are there separate parts with something near the engine? I am planning on getting out this weekend to disconnect and want to make sure I get it right the first time!

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2005 Vista 268 "ALTEAN"

There is a separate module as I recall that needed to be activated for the system to even power up. I did not pay a whole lot of attention to this when I purchased my boat last year but I think that this was some sort of subscrption service from Genmar along the lines of GM's OnStar. I have never heard of anyone having activated it. I am not even sure if the service is even offered any more. I was surprised that to hear that this was the culprit for your power drain. Check to see if there is a separate fuse for this in the fuse panel. Pulling the fuse may solve your problem once and for all.

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Martin
04 268 Vista - Knot Again
08 Boston Whaler 130 Sport - Double Good
Previous Boat:
97 278 Vista - Buoy Howdy