Battery charging..****ed confused

[capecliff]

I am so ****ed confused. I've posted questions before on another board about the best way to charge a two battery system and was so overloaded with contradictory information, I'm left here totally confused. People talking about isolators, combiners, etc etc<br /><br />I have a 22 foot center console. two batteries, plenty of electronics and a perco switch (all/1/2/off)<br /><br />So, my questions are these:<br /><br />1) DO I need an onboard charger that's permanently mounted to the boat and uses shore power?<br /><br />2) If not, and if I buy one of those portable chargers, what happens when I leave it at the dock charging one of the my batteries and it rains, with the battery compartment open? Isn't that really bad? And must I charge each battery separately this way?<br /><br />3) Am I right to assume that even the 200 horsepower yamaha isn't going to being able to charge both batteries unles I have long runs for several hours at high speeds? Speaking of which, what is the best way to use the 2 way switch for charging? I've heard people say NEVER get into the habit of setting it to all. Your opinion?<br /><br />Confused.<br /><br />Thanks for your help<br /><br />1)

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Battery charging..****ed confused

I have the same set-up that you have,so here's what I have be doing for Years.<br />I start the engine on 1 or 2,and run that day with either.<br /><br />Odd day of the month 1, even day of the month 2.<br /><br />I nave start with both unlass it is cold or hard cranking,after start I switch to 1 or 2.<br /><br />I seldom charge th batteries on the boat,when you do with a portable charger,Turn the Perko battery switch to OFF,connect the charging cables to the Battery terminals direct.<br /><br />Your batteries are under cover, so put the charger into the bilge to protect it from the elements,I would only charge, if necessary for a few hours while checking on the progress every 2-3 hours.<br /><br />I have charger overnight, but I don't like doing it.<br />As far as I'm concerned,the on board stuff, like isolators, permanent onboard chargers etc. are nice to have but not essential.(More gear,more wiring, more to maintain).

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Battery charging..****ed confused

If you've had conflicting advice, its because there are so many variables to a system.<br />Before "one" can give applicable advice, "one" must know your exact requirements....<br /><br />>what accessories do you use, and for how long?<br />>where are your accessories hooked?<br />>do you ever drain a battery near dead, using accessories?<br />>do you have access to shore power?<br />>what kind of batteries?<br />>are they identical?<br />>how often do you use the boat?<br /><br />If you want the best advice, you gotta supply all the facts.....otherwise, the advice you get will be generic....

 

[capecliff]

Re: Battery charging..****ed confused

Thanx pursuit. But does your engine charging do enough with all your electronics to keep batteries topped off and fresh?

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Battery charging..****ed confused

capecliff -- Yes, I run radio,GPS,Depth sounder,etc. Both batteries are the same, on a long hard run say 20+ miles,I may run on both to keep up the charge sort of even.<br />I just hooked up the charger to each battery,They both indicated full charge in approx.3 min. They have been in the garage since nov.