Battery Issue - HELP!

Long time reader. New poster.
I'm having issues solving a problem with my what I believe is my battery connection.
For a long time my boat (97 Sport GT40) had a real problem turning all the way over. Sometimes it wouldn't do anything when I turned the key. I would have to go out and remove the battery and jiggle the wires and it would start right up.
I changed out the connectors, brushed off any rest on the metal and it worked great for a few outings after that. My most recent trip out it got back to not starting at all. Again I jiggles the wires and it started. But when I went to place the battery back in the compartment the engine cut off. I finally got it started back up and it seems to cut off every time we hit a wake (I assume when the wires moved at all).

Any idea what this is? The battery itself (only a year old), need new battery cables that run to the engine?

Hollywood wrote: Time for new cables, just do it. Plenty of threads on this too do a google search.

+1 on the cables. Even if they look fine, replace them. I had problem replaced the cables and not a problem since. Like HW said, just do it.

There's a guy on ebay that does custom marine battery cables: Greg's Marine Wire Supplies

Good prices and highly rated.

Randy_in_Ohio wrote: there was a place someone recommended here I can't think of the name, I have the receipt at home... I can get it for you in a couple hours but the link above looks good too. I would pull them and measure them before I place the order. and let them put the ends on. unless you can solder them yourself. I would make sure they are soldered and not just clamped on. do it right and you'll never have another problem.

Probably: http://genuinedealz.com/

The guy who runs it is incredible. Free shipping, and if you don't have a crimping device or heat gun he'll make the connections for you for an paltry $1/connection.

His prices on marine grade electrical supplies beat all others.

SNobsessed wrote: A good auto parts store will custom make them for you. Just take the old ones in for them to copy.

Yes, but I suggest marine cable. Each wire strand is tin plated to avoid all the corrosion problems.

Yep,that was it Donald. Great prices, great service and fast!