Every time I touch the water I get shocked
#1

Longtime lurker. First post.
parker 2520 w Yamaha 250 4-stroke. I get zapped when I touch the water. Only when the ignition is on, so it’s not I loose wire from a bulge pump or any othe accessories. Gonna go at it with a multimeter later. Any suggestions on where to start looking?
parker 2520 w Yamaha 250 4-stroke. I get zapped when I touch the water. Only when the ignition is on, so it’s not I loose wire from a bulge pump or any othe accessories. Gonna go at it with a multimeter later. Any suggestions on where to start looking?
#7

12v DC isn't enough to give you a Shock in the water.
Shore Power AC current will or if it happens when the Motor is running, possibly an ignition problem. But not 12v from any of the Boat's accessories.
Shore Power AC current will or if it happens when the Motor is running, possibly an ignition problem. But not 12v from any of the Boat's accessories.
#8

It damn sure will give you a tingle. I’ve felt it from shorted out bilge pumps as well as livewell pumps in a sea chest. Bilge was water emptying sitting on trailer. Livewell was 100 miles offshore in a center console reaching in to get bait out.
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#9
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Join Date: Aug 2020
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One step at a time until you find out. I trust the members of THT will guide to the solution. AC or DC will give you a volts drain and I agree the AC will be of a larger magnitude when the ground is open. In terms of priorities so you and your boat is safe, I will start with the fuel system for safety reasons. make sure your fuel tank is very well grounded. Check the wiring on the fuel sender since normaly they are below deck and get humid and wet upon condensation. They also get on when the ignition is turn on. Once you are ascertain that your fuel circuit is ok, then go to the other accessories including the shore line and your engine starter including the engine ground. There are some good your tubers that i use and I learn so much from them. "Born Again boating" is very informative. send him a note or a comment. i am supper curious now. What other will say will help all of us.
#10

Ok, may want to start with what water it is that you are touching? I’ve never heard of 12 volt being powerful enough to shock you in the lake / salt water. If it’s bilge / live well water then that can help with the troubleshooting. Keep us updated as I’m interested as well.
#11

Ok, may want to start with what water it is that you are touching? I’ve never heard of 12 volt being powerful enough to shock you in the lake / salt water. If it’s bilge / live well water then that can help with the troubleshooting. Keep us updated as I’m interested as well.
#12
Admirals Club 



Something is missing a ground and I would look hard at the black battery/grounding wire that connects to the motor. Yamahas are known to have issues...their paint does a good job of insulating that ground lug...remove it, sand or wire brush the area under it and remount it...using some dielectric grease is an option...but a strong tight connection to the block and it should not be needed...
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#13
Senior Member

Something is missing a ground and I would look hard at the black battery/grounding wire that connects to the motor. Yamahas are known to have issues...their paint does a good job of insulating that ground lug...remove it, sand or wire brush the area under it and remount it...using some dielectric grease is an option...but a strong tight connection to the block and it should not be needed...
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#16

Thanks guys! The first thing I tried was to replace my key switch. I noticed it had what looks like a little melted plastic on it so I thought maybe there was a short. that didn’t fix the problem. I’m gonna go down all of you guys suggestions one by one. I’ll keep you updated
#17
Senior Member

Not a bad idea to have a good look at all the wires at the battery. They get pinched quicker. I just found a bad wire myself in the process of changing out to a larger bilge pump. It was obvious it happened because someone had changed the battery. Glad I found it because I still don't know what it went to, lol.
#18
Senior Member

What water are you touching. Are you washing the boat on the trailer? and then get shocked. May think of turning the battery switches off before washing or presence of water The water must be touching the boats ground (bonding wire are every where there is metal and included bonding to the outboard. Maybe exposed positive circuit some where on the console that allows a full surge from the batteries when you touch water. Should be blowing fuses too. Are you charging the batteries while on the trailer with 110? Is it cold outside, wearing clothes that make you static charged? Stay away from gas fumes?
Archie
Archie
#19

Unless you are touching your tongue to the water, there will be no shocks with 12v. a 9v battery will tickle your tongue, but do nothing to a wet finger.
#20
Admirals Club 


I have Stood in water, touch +and- wires of my Cabin's water Pump, to a 12v Battery also sitting in water at the beach to prime my system. No Shock, No Tingle.
Unless you are touching your tongue to the water, there will be no shocks with 12v. a 9v battery will tickle your tongue, but do nothing to a wet finger.
Unless you are touching your tongue to the water, there will be no shocks with 12v. a 9v battery will tickle your tongue, but do nothing to a wet finger.
Last edited by bladenbullet; 09-19-2020 at 09:10 AM.