High voltage guage readings

[dyoungman1]

I noticed on the 1998 SN I just purchased that the two times I have taken it out the volt gauge is reading 14.5 to 15.5 volts. Everything seems to be running great (ie: boat and electronics) except the reading has me worried. I haven't check anything yet as far as the battery or alternator.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what causes this?

Dave

[Rick]

RE: High voltage guage readings

A very low battery or one with a bad cell. A bad regulator. I wouldn't worry as long as your battery isn't boiling over or getting really hot.

[alalor1]

Hello, my 2001 does the same thing. When it is running, it shows 16 volts. But PP says the voltage is right at 13.5, and my multimeter says 13.6, so the gauge is bad, and I honestly just leave it, it shows the correct voltage when the engine is not running, just goes crazy when the alternator is charging. Probably the gauge has a bad ground. If the ground is bad, there is no reference voltage and the voltmeter will show crazy things. Same with the alternator, is the ground is bad, the voltage regulator will not know what to do and will make crazy voltages.