Battery charging question

[Marz-Bar]

Hi all. I own a 17' center console. The bottom of the center console is very busy with all mechanicals, oil tank, and the battery which is tucked in the far corner of the console. Hooking up a battery charger is a pain to say the least. Does anyone know of any type of remote hookup for charging the battery? Maybe something through a cigarette lighter? Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Battery charging question

You can charge the battery any number of ways. A cigar lighter works, as does any other unswitched +12VDC and ground wires you can find. Make sure the wires can carry the max capacity of the charger. ie. 12 ga wire for 20Amps, 14 ga wire for 15Amps. Be creative, and find a place to charge it that is convenient. I used to charge my speedboat via the starter solenoid battery terminal and ground on the cowling.

 

[Marz-Bar]

Re: Battery charging question

Thanks Chris. Was hoping for something I could hard wire to the console instead of having to pop the hood so to speak. Own a motorcycle that has a hardwired charger hookup in a saddlebag, pop the lid, plug in the charger. Maybe I am chasing that pie in the sky again.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Battery charging question

Thanks Chris. Was hoping for something I could hard wire to the console instead of having to pop the hood so to speak. Own a motorcycle that has a hardwired charger hookup in a saddlebag, pop the lid, plug in the charger. Maybe I am chasing that pie in the sky again.

Don't be too hasty!

Chris had a good option...if you have a 12v recepticle (such as a cigar lighter) already in the dash, then there are many decent battery maintainers that will simply 'plug' in!

Sears has a nice, and small, one (71219)...that comes with three different ends. One of the ends will plug into your 12v accessory port. I use it for my cars, truck, PWC, and boats.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02871219000P

 

[Splat]

Re: Battery charging question

If the wiring on the cigarette lighter is up to it you can use that, just remember if its on a switch, you'll need to turn the switch on when you charge or there won't be any connection.

Personally I would get a onboard charger. Mount it under the console then use a recepticle for the plug. Then you'll only need a extension cord to charge and maintain your boat.

Bill

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Battery charging question

Install one of these http://www.iboats.com/ProSport_Generation_2_Onboard_Battery_Chargers/dm/*******.153740476--**********.821136494--view_id.391380and a power cord where it is easily accessible and you are all set. A marine charger is the safest bet because it is ignition protected and won't blow up your boat if any fumes build up in the bilge.