On-board Battery Charger Question

[82skeeterm]

I have a skeeter bass boat with a 150 hp mariner. My battery just keep getting drained after taking it out 2-3 times. What's the best way to keep them charged? Should I buy an on board charger? What are you guys doing with yours? I new to the scene any suggestion will help. Thanks in advance...

 

[jtexas]

Re: On-board Battery Charger Question

which battery? the cranking battery?
Have it load tested (free at most car parts stores). If it checks out, then your rectifier is most likely blown. Non-working tach is one symptom of faulty rectifier; another is, if the battery voltage isn't higher with the engine running than with it not running. There's also a thread in the "engine faq" section on rectifier testing.

The trolling battery(s)?
You have to recharge the trolling battery(s) after each use, and the sooner the better, otherwise you are seriously comprising its useful life.

You asked what us guys do: I use a bench charger to recharge the trolling batt soon as I get home, then again to top off both batts the night before a fishing trip. I check the cranking battery from time to time after an outing - it's always still fully charged from running the outboard.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: On-board Battery Charger Question

If you have a bass boat, chances are the boat already has an on-board charger. Look for an AC plug and plug the bugger in.

 

[samviluong]

Re: On-board Battery Charger Question

My motor don't have an alternator so I hook up a volt meter to the electrical system so I could monitor my battery level. I also have a small smart charger hook up to the battery so I could charger when ever I can, at the campsite or at home before I head out boating. I am thinking of putting another battery and charger for the trolling motor I just brought and use it for back up if my motor die on me.
The One