Charging batteries on board vs removing them

[cvtech1]

I have a Perko switch with two batteries and the boat has been sitting for a couple of months (3 or so). I purchased an automatic charger and would like to know how to charge the batteries on the boat. Can this be done or do I have to remove them? Thanks

 

[Rick.]

Re: Charging batteries on board vs removing them

Make sure everything is shut off then just hook pos. to pos. and neg.to neg. Perhaps I don't understand the question. Best of luck. RIck.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Charging batteries on board vs removing them

I fail to see the reasoning with removing batteries to charge them. Do you remove the battery from your car to charge it? Of course not. It is being charged when the engine is running so there is no reason to remove it/them when using a separate charger. Same with your boat.

With a dual battery switch, set the switch to both and connect the charger to either battery. Both will charge since the switch has connected the two batteries together. Charge time will be twice as long since you are charging both batteries at once.

 

[Trooper583]

Re: Charging batteries on board vs removing them

I use a marine rated battery tender through the week to keep them topped off. The only thing you might be careful of when using a standard 2 / 10 amp charger is spark (relative to fuel vapor in the bilge, etc).

 

[John_S]

Re: Charging batteries on board vs removing them

If this is an auto type charger, keep it sheltered from rain, etc. It is most likely a open vented charger.

I would recommend charging batteries seperate vs parrellel. Even if they are identicle batteries purchased at the same time, if a fault occurs in one, like a shorted cell, you may quickly waste the other. Unless you run it parrellel, at the end of the day, one battery will only need a slight charge and the other will probably need a more longer charge. Just buy a marine dual bank charger and make it allot easier.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Charging batteries on board vs removing them

Should you use a portable charger with alligator clips, hook up the alligator clips first, then plug in the charger AC plug...