Why is my boat beeping?

[malarson]

Call me a newby but when I turn the ignition key I get two beeps. Then after the engine starts I get more beeps, sometimes one, sometimes two. Is there any reason for this beeping or is it just to let me know I turned the key.
Thanks

[smendez]

malarson:

What year and model boat do you have? On our 2005 22v, the boat will beep as long as the ignition key is turned on but the engine is not. Really loud and really annoying. Once the engine is started it no longer beeps. It was the same on our 2003 22v.

Additionally, in our slip, once the engine is started we get the low depth alarm (I set the low depth alarm to 4'). The alarm goes off because of the hydrolift tanks below the boat. Those beeps are different than the "About to Start engine" beep. They're still loud and annoying, obviously to grab your attention.

Does your boat have Perfect Pass? It has a beep as well, it could be malfunctioning.

How about a fuel flow meter - Those can be set to alarm as well when you're low on fuel. However, like the depth finder, once they alarm, they stay on until you acknowledge it, by pressing a button on the gauge.

If it's not any of the above, it could be the engine trying to tell you something. I think it's just like the check engine light in your car, different beeps are used as warnings that something in your boat's engine is not right. You may then want to check with your nearest dealer.

[malarson]

My boat is a '98 pre2100wt. It doesn't have perfect pass or a fuel flow meter. It may be the depth meter though. Thanks for the reply.

[walkers2rad]

I always thought those loud annoying beeps were to warn passengers and/or swimmers or someone with their hands in the engine compartment that the engine is about to be started. It could also be sounding to let you know that they are operational so they will work when needed for depth or an engine problem, kind of like a check gauges or check engine light that flashes on when you turn the key so you know the bulb is good.
Mine sounds like two seperate ones going off at the same time. The loud one stops after a couple of beeps and the other stops when the engine starts I think.
Maybe someone that knows more could elaborate.
Ray

[pbellew]

I have a 99 2100i with a Merc MPI engine and when you 1st turn the key there is a audible beeping that is a system check. The beepng stops and then you start the engine. The only time that I hear the beep after the engine is 1st started is when my battery is not fully charged.

[leisure]

My kids know that when they hear the beeps, it is time to get in the boat and sit down!

[dogbert]

Mine beeps once when i turn the ignition on and once when the engine starts running. Perfect Pass has added a 3rd beep. I think my stereo also beeps if I want it to...