Bad battery?

 

but after i was playing with the remote for a while it beeped and then everything lit up. Would that still be the battery?

 

Yes. Someone posted a very similar problem recently, solved by a new battery. There has to be enough juice in the system to unlock the ski, and then start it. You can get an idea by testing the battery. It should have a minimum of 12.4 volts on it just sitting there. I'd take it out and let an auto-parts store load test it to be sure. If it is the orignial Yamaha battery, they go dry very easily if you don't keep it constantly refreshed with distilled water, and loose cells. Look at getting an AGM marine battery.

 

Ernest, I have a question. I always keep a tender on my battery and it goes to storage mode which means it is completely charged. Also, I put a voltage meter to it and it says I have 12.3 volts. Ski unlocks, lights come on like normal but it wont start. I get the clicking sound like the battery is dead but it isn't. I am assuming it is the starter? So, question is: Can the battery be giving off 12.3 volts of juice but still not start it somehow? I didnt check the water level but you mentioned; but, if the water leverl was low, the batter would not have 12 volts right?? Thanks for any help you can provide...

 

A good fully charged flooded type battery should show around 12.7 volts. Sealed batteries will be closer to 13 volts fully charged. 12.2 volts is what you should see on a battery that is 50% discharged. This means you have a bad battery. With a flooded battery you can verify it is bad with a cheap Hydrometer.

If you want to know for sure, you can load test it. I bought an inexpensive load tester that tells me when it's time for a new battery, rather than try to guess. In your case it's a pretty sure thing if you are only getting to 12.3 fully charged.

The original Yuasa batteries that Yamaha uses in their skis lose water quickly. I find they need to have water added 2 or 3 times each year. They die quickly if you let the level fall too far.

When you buy a new one save yourself many headaches and get an AGM battery. They cost more, but are maintanance free, and will last 2 or 3 times as long.