Battery Chargers

[bijou22]

Re: Battery Chargers

OK we will agree to differ, but for now I am not buying a new battery.
Can't believe that you could leave one for a year and still expect it to be charged enough to start a boat though, not even a car for that matter?

Oh........ I love i-boats, its what discussion is all about.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Battery Chargers

A batteries discharge rate can be 5% on average in a month depending on temperature and type and age of battery you have. Since storing a battery in a discharged state is really hard on the battery, it is best to keep it charged with a float charger.

Bondo, it may still start your boat, it is just not as good for the battery.

Don, not sure where you got 0.06V/month because that is not acurate. Battery voltage is not linear with discharge. A battery that loses 0.1V when it is fully charged has just lost around 10% of its charge. The next 10% will be between 0.15V and 0.2V. As the battery discharges further, the voltage goes down at a steeper rate.

Any place that stores boats over the winter is not going to put all the boats on float chargers. Its just not practical or safe for the storage facility to run cords to every boat. As a boat owner who store his own boat it is another story.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Battery Chargers

I've used smart chargers and maintainers for years for the simple reason I have not seen one reason why not to. My boat is inside, I don't remove the batteries or even disconnect them and the chargers are on 24x7 from Late November - March. Battery experts seem to recommend it. To provide everyone with just a couple of sources, here are four links to battery maintenance. All of these manufacturers (to one degree or another) agree that a periodic or continuous maintenance charge is beneficial and will contribute to battery longevity. These sites also contain other more general, but interesting battery information you may be interested in.

http://www.powerstream.com/Storage.htm
http://www.olypen.com/usedrvs/battery_storage.htm
http://www.sbsbattery.com/mh/deepcyclefaq.htm
http://www.solarnavigator.net/battery_charging.htm

Google or Yahoo "Storage Battery Maintenance" and read 'til you puke!

 

[fendersfender]

Re: Battery Chargers

I agree with bondo...if you cant leave your battery(s) sit through the winter with-out needing to charge, they need to be replaced.....i would NEVER trust a "so-so" battery on the water.....if its questionable, replace it.....i sure dont want to waste my boating day towing other boats in

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Battery Chargers

I agree with bondo...if you cant leave your battery(s) sit through the winter with-out needing to charge, they need to be replaced.....i would NEVER trust a "so-so" battery on the water.....if its questionable, replace it.....i sure dont want to waste my boating day towing other boats in

BUT, a Float Charger THAT IS USED will keep a GOOD battery at the sweet spot of 13.20 to 13.50 volts. It will PROLONG the life of a good battery. Ask anyone with a degree in electrical engineering

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Battery Chargers

In one of those links the term "equalize charge" came up as being important in battery longevity. It essentially brings the sg on all cells up to an equal level and in the process stirs up the electrolyte to keep it a consistant level from the top to bottom of the cell. Interesting stuff goes on inside a battery. Enough though -- I'm outa here and will continue to use my maintainers.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Battery Chargers

I use a Dual Pro XL charger that is hardwired in my engine compartment. It is the best of both worlds because it stays off until either battery's voltage drops at which point it charges it back up. It keeps my two Lifeline AGM's in top shape (and has for 3 years)...Here are the specs:

Features:

* Fully Waterproof
* Independent Outputs
* Fully Automatic / Complete Shut-Off
* Overcharge Protection
* True Reverse Polarity Protection
* Return to Charge Maintenance Mode
* No Installation Restrictions
* Over Current Protection
* Temperature Compensated Charging Technique
* Short Circuit Protection
* LED Readouts
* Meets FCC 15 Parts A & B
* Identified Charge Cables
* Advanced Microprocessors
* CE Approved "ISO 8846-Marine"
* Ignition Protected (US Coast Guard 33 CFR183-410
* AGC 30 amp fuse
* 3 year manufacturers warranty
* Made in the USA

Specs:

* Total Output: 12 Amps
* Amps Per Bank: 6 , 6
* Size: Height 5" X Width 8" X Length 9 1/2"
* Weight: 9 lbs
* Battery System: 12 Volt, 24 Volt


Looks like this: