Quick deep cycle question

[BeerMonkey]

i dont think the charging system works on my outboard (or if it does it doesnt have enough power to keep the deep cycle charged) so i am just gonna charge it out of the boat. my question is should i wait for it to get pretty low and charge it or charge it after every trip even though its not really discharged to much?

 

[jevery]

Re: Quick deep cycle question

You?re using a deep-cycle for your starting battery, it?s not staying charged, and you?re not using the same battery to run a trolling motor. Is this correct? Do you have a multimeter to measure voltage? Battery will last longer if it's kept fully charged.

 

[BeerMonkey]

Re: Quick deep cycle question

no i have a seperate starting battery and a deep cycle, it is staying charged but i dont think its charging (i sound confusing) its not that its dying i just dont think its geting charged. all i run off it is the radio and lights so its not much of a load.

 

[grouper21797]

Re: Quick deep cycle question

Deep cycle batteries like to charge a little slower and tend to take longer to re-charge. Depending on how long it takes for your return trip, maybe your deep cycle needs a little more time on the charger. I don't use the 'both' battery selection any more because of the difference in age of my two batteries. A weaker battery will keep a stronger battery from charging to it's fullest if they are charged together; ie when you select 'both' batteries.

 

[BeerMonkey]

Re: Quick deep cycle question

i never use the "both" setting either. im goin to put a volt meter on it and keep a eye on it.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Quick deep cycle question

You should go ahead and bring your your deep-cycle battery up to full charge after every trip, and if it sits for any length of time keep it topped off from time to time (every few weeks).