12 v electrical problems

[seacolt]

my 1976 46 c is having some electrical issues that I cannot seem to identify. A few weeks ago My gally maid water pump had smoke coming out of the motor, pump was not run dry. Yesterday I went into the forward stateroom and smelled something burnt, Gally maid windless was cooked and was not being used. Windless is on opposite battery bank, (port). Also having problems with instrument panel (tachs) when I turn each key switches on, opposite tach goes out after a few seconds or sometimes fluxuates. Not sure if any of this is related. The only thing I am able to find at this point is the 50 amp fuse block for the battery charger (starboard side) was heated and needs to be replaced. Checked charger with voltmeter and it shows 12.4 starboard and 13.6 port. Thought maybe the charger or fuse block was the root of problem but not convinced. My starboard battery bank reads 12.4 but will not crank engine. I have to parallel. Battery's are only A year old. Any chance it could battery issue ?
I'm usually pretty good at troubleshooting but this one has me stumped.
Any thoughts ?

 

[Pascal]

Are the voltage readings with the charger on or off?

I don't see how the windlass could have been "cooked" while off unless moisture or corrosion in the up foot switch turned it on. Happened to me, twice over the years. Always turn off the main breaker when boat is left unattended at dock

 

[seacolt]

Voltage taken at each leg right from the charger while on 13.6 port and 12.4 starboard. The starboard battery was also checked with the charger both on and off same voltage 12.4
i'll check the windless foot switch today. Lesson learned, I will always keep selector switch off.

 

[Boatnut]

It sounds like the starbgoard battery is not taking a charge. It could be the output at the charger is not correct, or a bad connection some where in the starboard charge circuit. Check the voltages at both the charger and the battery. If you disconnect the charger lead the voltage should go to 13.6 if it doesn't the charger is the problem. A weak battery may load the charging voltage lower than needed. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, check your grounds, don't just look at them, inspect them closely. pull on the wires firmly, if the connection is sound you won't be able to pull the connection apart. Check for rust and corrosion. Your problems could be somewhat related, and ground side leads are usually the culprit in this case. The hot fuse is indicative of a corroded fuse holder, and the possible the fuse too. Replace them both or clean them up with a wire brush.

 

[seacolt]

Thanks for your help !!. Tach issue was just a loose ring connector, I have ordered A new type breaker for the 50 amp, and I believe the windless problem was caused by water infiltration at the foot switch.
This is A great resource to have !!