Unhook battery for maintainer

[Flynny]

Is it necessary to unhook the battery from the boat to charge it with a maintainer, specifically this solar panel? That thing provides such low current, I can't see what possible damage it could do to the engine or electronics if everything is off. I do not have a battery switch, but nothing (asides from the engine) is directly connected to the engine, everything is switched.

While we're here, why is it necessary to disconnect the battery when it's being charged? Again,what damage could it do, even though it's much higher current (10-15 amps on my charger)?

Edit: Ok I seem to have misread the charger instructions 4 years ago. It is ok to keep the battery connected the boat when charging?

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Unhook battery for maintainer

I don't think its necessary to unhook your battery from the sloar panel. Many RV'ers do this all the time to keep there batteries charged during the day. On all of my "toys", I use a plug in type called a Battery tender. It provides about 750mA to keep the batteries topped up without cooking them dry. Use the llink below to find the ones I use.

http://http://batterytender.com/products

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Unhook battery for maintainer

Why is it that people get so wrapped around the axle with battery charging. You don't disconnect the battery in your car when it is being charged by the alternator so what is it that makes folks think the battery needs to be disconnected when using a portable charger, battery maintainer, or a solar panel?