Rinker 280 EC Battery Switch Panel Removal

Dude_Himself

2006 Rinker 280 EC, hoping to modify the wiring a bit so my house battery doesn't go dead every week on the trailer. Part of that includes wiring an MPPT controller inline on a few circuits that will be always on, and removing a few circuits that don't need to run on the trailer (MerCathode, for example). The MPPT controller will shut off the load when the battery gets critical.

Here's my panel: anyone ever pull this one off? Is it a nightmare, or can I remove just the 2 dozen-something outer screws? Any gotchas (like the backside of the bracket will fall down into the bowels of the boat where it can't be reached)?

Thanks in advance!

Cableguy Greg

You need to remove all of the screws on the outside white area. It is a PITA, but it will come out. Check all connections. I had 3 wires loose behind the battery breaker on my 280.

Michael T

Look at all grounds whenever any panel is off. the **** things loosen.

jme097

I should check and tighten all my connections on my 280 as well 

achristurner

Is there an instruction sheet/manual for this panel? Our owner’s manual is very generic and I’m not having any luck searching online.  We have a 2008 276.  Not sure that matters.  We have trouble with killing batteries when we listen to the stereo while tied up. We have to turn the key on to get the power to play the stereo.  I’m sure it’s user error, but this user needs instructions!  

LaRea

@achristurner - welcome to the forum.  We are your owners manual!

Yes, many Rinkers were wired so that you have to turn on the key to play the stereo.  That's normal.  

If your batteries are dying, there are lots of things to consider.  I don't know your boating experience, so I'll keep it generic:

How old are the batteries, and what kind?  If lead acid, have you topped up the water in the battery cells?

Have you replaced the battery charger?  From that we've seen, they tend to last 10-15 years.  I've replaced both of mine in my '07 370.  

achristurner

Batteries are new 2021.  We just put a battery tender on the batteries.  By looking at the wiring diagram (I found today) it appears both batteries share all responsibilities.  So we will just turn on one battery while tied up and hopefully the second one will be fine to start up.  Our last boat we could choose 1, 2, both, or off.  We can’t choose which battery to use on this one.  And we’re not sure what the whole 24 hour circuits section to the right is for.  

bella-vita

The 24 hour circuits are hooked directly to battery! You cannot shut them off

Grahamu

The 24 hour circuits are wired direct to your batteries so that they will always operate regardless of the battery switch position.

Aqua_Aura

Your batteries should not be drained from simply listening to the stereo. I would check and make sure no other high electrical drain systems are running and also make sure you have properly sized batteries and deep cycle. 

Pat310

@Dude_Himself   When you are using the radio at anchor do you have the key in the on position or the accessory position?  On my boat the radio is connected to the acc on the key switch. If you use the on position it could be why batteries are dying so fast

oscar1

Do you have a refrigerator in your boat?  If you do, running stereo plus your refrigerator will draw 10 amp which it will bleed off your house battery real quick.