Charging batteries

[jsz]

This is the 3rd season I've got out of my 2 batteries. Besides normal use during the summer, the only time the batts get charged is when I run the boat for 10 min. once a month. They have never been on a charger and it has always started right up for me. Recently I let them go a little too long (6weeks) without running them to charge them up. Eveny my portable jump starter could not get it going.

I borrowed a charger and after a week of charging (2 to 10 AMP), they were fine. Volt meter read about 12.4 volts and they got me through 4 days at Mojave. When I got back I put it on the trickle charger. After 2 weeks it is now reading about 12.7.

I thought I was going to need new ones but these seem to be working as good as ever. Every week I check the volts and they keep going up. Will it hurt the batts to leave a trickle charge on for too long?

I've always heard of replacing batteries every other year? Are any of you getting 3,4,5 years out of yours?

[zany]

I use a Promarine charger that I mounted in that little rear compartment next to the Taps hydraulics. It is hooked up to both batteries; all I do is plug it in to AC outlet. Here is the web page.

http://www.pmariner.com/productFeatu...oductNum=41221

I can leave my batteries plugged in 24-7 and it keeps them peeked without overcharging. My last batteries lasted 4 years.

[raythompson]

Battery Charger

Yep, I have one of those also. Nice charger as each battery is charged independantly. You can leave it plugged in 24x7 as the charger will monitor the battery condition and adjust accordingly.

As for me, I replace my boat batteries every three years regardless of use or condition. You may have a top notch battery that will just suddenly quit due to an internal break. Or an internal short will develop in a cell very quickly.

For the cost of the batteries (a tank of fuel) it is worth the peace of mind and the problems of being stranded.

[zany]

Re: Battery Charger

Originally posted by raythompson
Yep, As for me, I replace my boat batteries every three years regardless of use or condition. You may have a top notch battery that will just suddenly quit due to an internal break. Or an internal short will develop in a cell very quickly.

For the cost of the batteries (a tank of fuel) it is worth the peace of mind and the problems of being stranded.

Your right on that, dead batteries are a real bummer. Changing out every three years is probally the safest way to go.

[dogbert]

A shorted battery can do a number on your electrical system as well. I have two batteries in my boat...I used to use a trickle charger, but found it didn't help as much as on my fishing boat or previous runabout. Contributing factors for me are extreme temperature swings as well as a fairly heavy electrical load so they are discharging more than my other boats (stereo has a lot to do with this).

I've pretty much come to the conclusion that batteries last exactly 1 month longer than their warranty. Between all the equipment I own, I've got about 14 batteries so it seems like I'm forever buying them

[zany]

Originally posted by dogbert
A shorted battery can do a number on your electrical system as well. I have two batteries in my boat...I used to use a trickle charger, but found it didn't help as much as on my fishing boat or previous runabout. Contributing factors for me are extreme temperature swings as well as a fairly heavy electrical load so they are discharging more than my other boats (stereo has a lot to do with this).

These new charges work really well because they will sense the battery level of charge and apply the amps required to bring it to 100%. I have heard that deep cycle batteries work best when they recharged with high amps and then use a trickle to maintain 100% charge. I was told to only use a trickle charger to maintain a battery at 100%, not to use to recharge a battery.

[Coach]

You need to get a good charger whether on board or portable. Always get a smart charger so you don't need to worry about overcharging the batteries. The 3 stage chargers will ramp it up to the voltage that the particular battery likes (Wet vs AGM vs Gel) and will put a bulk charge on the battery until it is about 80% full then it will maintain a steay charge with less volts for a while then when the battery is 95% full it will go to a trickle mode to top of the battery and or maintain the battery. If you have your boat where you can charge the batteries by all means do so. The most convient is an on board charger so all you do is plug it in and leave it until your next trip. My biggest problem is I don't have place to plug in my charger at my storage unit (plus they don't allow it). I only get to put a good charge back on my batteries every month or two. This doesn't effect my starting battery too much but my bank for the stereo more.

[dogbert]

I installed a ProMariner ProSport12 in my boat last night and plugged it in. Man, what a difference. Not sure why I waited so long.

[jsz]

My 2 cosco batterries (1 starting, 1 deep cycle) are hooked up in parallel. When I charge them I leave everything connected and place the cables on one battery. I've always asumed the second battery gets the same charge. Yes/no? Is there any harm in leaving the batts hooked to the motor while charging?

[dogbert]

Originally posted by jsz
My 2 cosco batterries (1 starting, 1 deep cycle) are hooked up in parallel. When I charge them I leave everything connected and place the cables on one battery. I've always asumed the second battery gets the same charge. Yes/no? Is there any harm in leaving the batts hooked to the motor while charging?

They don't recommend hooking up two batteries if they are different types. You may want to get a charger that has connections for a deep cycle and a starter battery.

[bneub]

Why does my battery box say "Always disconnect the battery before charging"? I think it also says something about harming the electronics if you don't?