battery questions???

[captain spike]

how long should an avg bat stay charged and how ofton should i be recharging battery???strs a 1969 evinrude runs radio for a little while.battery i have is new last season no problems yet just want to know any maintance procedures. thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! happy boating!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Solittle]

Re: battery questions???

I just ordered one.<br /><br /> http://www.batterymart.com/battery.mv?c=batteryminder

 

[Boatist]

Re: battery questions???

Captain Spike<br />All lead acid batteries should be charged at least once a month all year long. Deep cycles can let go a littel longer because of better thicker plates. Batteries self drain even if disconnected. I use a 10 amp AUTOMATIC battery for both my batteries. The key is never let go too long and never use a manual battery charger unless you are going to watch is closely to prevent over charging. Even a 2 amp will over charge if not shut off in time. Never had any battery that did not last 6 years on the boat.<br /><br />Automatic charger have a circuit to cut current when voltage gets to 13.8 to 14.4 Volts depending on setting for type.<br /><br />I set up my boat where I charge both battery from a plug at front of boat. This does two things, means I do not have to clime in boat under cover and get batteries areas open to hook up charger in the middle of winter. Also Have a 12 volt line from truck that runs to the trailer so can charge boat battery from truck going down the road if I want.

 

[mehariste]

Re: battery questions???

I live aboard my Rawson30 in Point Richmond CA. Four years ago I bought 3 new Interstate Megatrons - 1 dedicated to engine start only and 2 for all the 12V items. As a liveaboard that consists mainly of my low draw Biax lamps. I monitor them w/ a Xantrex Link 20. The start battery stays up all the time w/ an occasional engine start. However I find the aux. batteries dropping to 10 volts daily now and I charge them nightly. Since engine start is a stand-alone, I'd like to consider a pair of lithium ions to replace the 2 accessory bank batteries. They've been out commercially since at least 2006 but googling doesn't find me a source or munch info. Anyone know much about 'em? I know basics like much lighter, much longer lasting and much more expensive. I'd like to read user feedback.

 

[wifisher]

Re: battery questions???

There are too many variable to answer your question accurately. How many times a day does it start the motor? Does the motor charge it at all? If so, how long does the motor run when it is started? How long does the radio get left on? Is it a portable am/fm unit, or is it a built in deck and a large amp?

The easiest for me, is to put the charger on when I get home, and it is ready to go the next time. Just make sure your charger has an auto-shut off. Which is common on new chargers.

 

[5150abf]

Re: battery questions???

I have always heard you should charge it as soon as you can after use, batteries don't like a partial charge.

An onboard chager is really nice, the plug is installed right into the boat and you just plug it in when you are done with the boat and unplug it when you are ready to take it out again.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: battery questions???

I live aboard my Rawson30 in Point Richmond CA. Four years ago I bought 3 new Interstate Megatrons - 1 dedicated to engine start only and 2 for all the 12V items. As a liveaboard that consists mainly of my low draw Biax lamps. I monitor them w/ a Xantrex Link 20. The start battery stays up all the time w/ an occasional engine start. However I find the aux. batteries dropping to 10 volts daily now and I charge them nightly. Since engine start is a stand-alone, I'd like to consider a pair of lithium ions to replace the 2 accessory bank batteries. They've been out commercially since at least 2006 but googling doesn't find me a source or munch info. Anyone know much about 'em? I know basics like much lighter, much longer lasting and much more expensive. I'd like to read user feedback.

Welcome to iboats.

PLEASE start your own thread in the future and not drag up one that is over 8 years old!!!! We actually have an electronics section on iboats for all things electrical.