Newbie Please Help

[DynaSlaker 196]

I have recently bought a 1987 Ebbtide Dynatrak 196ss with a 200hp Mariner eng. I have tons of questions but I guess the first would be, where can I find the receptacle to plug my boat in to keep my batteries charged through the winter?

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Newbie Please Help

Are you sure it has one...not all boats have them as standard equipment. If you are sure it's there somewhere, then follow the wires from the battery(s) and they should lead you there.

 

[DynaSlaker 196]

Re: Newbie Please Help

Not sure. My brother has owned a boat from the age of 16 and he is 57 now; he said with the age of the boat that I should have one. Just trying to keep from hauling the batteries in for the winter.

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Newbie Please Help

I think what you are referring to is an "on-board charger." It is a device that hooks into the battery or batteries (if device is capable) and allows the user to simply plug into a wall outlet to charge the battery or batteries. Age of a boat is not a sure-fire way to predict whether one is present or not. They are most common in bass boats, salty boats, and other boats that have multiple battery banks because it greatly simplifies the charging process.

It is possible that your boat did not come with that option. If it's there it should be near the batteries. If not there, no big deal...you can add one ($100-$200) or just pull the batteries and place a stand-alone charger on them.

Or do what I do and disconnect it from boat, leave it in place, and attach a trickle charger to it when not in use (w/ bilge open to ventilate, of course).

Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[mike343]

Re: Newbie Please Help

Check for an onboard charger but you probably don't have one. I use a cheapo 10/2 amp charger from Pep Boys and hook it up every two months just to be sure. But a fully charged battery with no load should last all winter unless it gets very cold.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Newbie Please Help

Or unless the radio in your boat has station memory constant on. Although that drain is slight, over the course of a winter lay up, the battery could be discharged which then makes it possible for it to freeze.