Battery Charging

[DocG2828]

Hello again, long time no post!

Spring again, and I'm wanting to go boating on Sunday. So, my boat has sat all winter. It was winterized, but I was too darn lazy to disconnect the battery. I haven't check it, and haven't charged it.

I have a multimeter and a battery charger. My charger does 6 volts, and goes to 2 amps, and has a deep cycle option. I'm going to get some muffs tomorrow and see if she'll start and run solid before hitting the ramp.

Is it safe to assume that if she starts and runs in my driveway, that I'd be ok going on boating on it without charging the battery?

If I need to charge, could someone explain or link to the best way to charge the battery. If I need to buy a new charger, will do.

Sorry for a newb question, couldn't find anything in the search, and this is my first spring with my boat! Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Battery Charging

your battery is a 12 volt battery, 2 amps is a trickle charger, and will take a week to charge it. buy a real charger. 12 volt smart charger.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Battery Charging

Even if it does start it would be a good idea to put a 12 volt 2 amp overnight charge on it.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Battery Charging

Beat me TD...I use one of those digital smart chargers,best 50 bucks i ever spent...
Your right,2 amps takes awhile...mine has 2,8 and 20 amp settings i think..
i just leave it on untill it says 100%

 

[DocG2828]

Re: Battery Charging

Thanks for the respones!

The charger I have does more than the 2amp setting. It'll do normal charging as well. I was just afraid of burning up the battery.

So....should I remove the battery to charge it....or can I charge it in place? In my boat, its behind one of the rear seat upright cushions that is removeable.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Battery Charging

I always unhook the cables from mine before charging. Also some batteries will boil out some acid and fumes while charging. It would be best to remove it from the boat and have it in a ventilated area..

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Battery Charging

Doc, It is always best to charge the battery before launch. I leave mine connected, when I charge it.

However, if the motor starts in the driveway, you can confirm that it charges the battery when running, and you run it up to operating temp (always a smart idea) it will likely start after you launch it.

 

[F_R]

Re: Battery Charging

While it is OK to charge it while connected, you are ignoring a very important maintenance item. You need to remove the battery cables and clean everything shiny bright and put it back tight. More engine electrical failures are caused by loose or corroded battery terminals than any other cause. Think $

 

[Boatist]

Re: Battery Charging

Your motor charges it while it in the boat and so will a smart 12 volt charger. If it a 6 volt charger then it will not charge a 12 volt battery. If it is a 12 volt charger then I would fully charge. You should charge your battery at least every 2 months even in the cold winter if you want it to have a long life.

 

[muskyjim]

Re: Battery Charging

I always recharge after any boating outing with my 10 volt charger. If the batteries are going to sit for a while before their next use I keep them on a float charger. I always start my boat in the driveway before I go out. There are no guarantees that your boat will start at the launch, but you will feel better before you leave home.
I follow this practice after every trip on the water and my batteries are most always very dependable. Batteries are not a thing I have to worry about spending any extra cash on at the beginning of the next boating season.
If you recharge your batteries after any outing and use a float charger to keep them charged at their capicity, you will always be able to rely on your electrical system.
Based on my experience.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Battery Charging

here is a great little item. i have 8 of them. i just keep an extention cord run to the boat. when i get home i connect these, and forget them. the battery is maintained, and always ready to go. i have 4 boat batteries, 2 boats, lawn mower , and others.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42292

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Battery Charging

I have a floating charger also from harbor freight, but it is a permanent mount doo-hickey:

The little spring-loaded cover opens up and the extension cord plugs right in. The light lets you know when you have a full charge. I usually will plug it in a couple of days before an outing. With the Perko switch in the all position, it charges both batteries.​

 

[DocG2828]

Re: Battery Charging

Thanks! I'll check into one of those floating chargers to keep hooked up after trips.

I checked my charger again. Its a 6/12 volt charger. For 12 volts, I can select either 2 amps or 15amps. I can also select between regular charging and deep cycle, both are automatic.

I'll just pull the battery, set it on 15amp and regular cycle, should be good to go.

 

[thurps]

Re: Battery Charging

I've always had good luck with cheapie solar battery maintainers on my boat, mc, and tractor.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Battery Charging

the floats are nice, especially when the boat is not used as often.. with 3 boats and 3 pwc. i don't get to run the all as often as i would like. but the kids do. and it's my fault when they don't reconnect the chargers, and they won't start.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Battery Charging

It's very hard on a battery when you leave it uncharged all winter.Give it a charge before storing it and let the float charger maintain it through the winter.
I should talk, I let my garden tractor sit all winter with no charge help.