Boat issues, RPM gauge/Perfect Pass

Went out this AM and about an hour and a half into the morning, my RPM gauge and PP started freakin out. The RPM needle started jumping around and the PP, while not in use, started beeping and flashing at me. The boat kept running normal, temp good, oil pressure and battery was all normal. The stereo was on but turned down way low. The RPM gauge and PP finally flat lined and shut off then the stereo started popping on me and it shut off.

When we got back to the dock I shut the boat off and tried to re-start and nothing!

I am sure the battery is the culprit but should I be concerned with anything else?

Boat is an '05 Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV and the PP unit is factory installed.

Sounds like you lost the ground under the dash. Check fuses and connections. Test battery.

Ground or battery sounds more likely don't you think? If it was a fuse it should have just stopped working instantly rather than the on/off sputtering it was doing, no?

I'll be sure and check it when I get back home.

My Perfect Pass did the same thing at a stand still and while going along, just wasn't consistent. I replaced the paddle wheel assembly and works like a charm.

Check for any plugs in the wiring loom that may have come partially apart between the dash and the engine bay

Check for loose grounds on you fuse panel

I went home and put a long slow charge into both batteries and all is well. Go figure. My main battery had tested at only 9 volts prior to charging.

I've put several hours on the boat since charging and all is well. Just thought I'd post my findings to help someone else should this ever happen to them.

Thanks for the tips folks.