When charging battery, do I need to disconect from boat?

[Bert1]

I am running a combination deepcycle/starting battery on my boat. When I use an external charger, do I need to disconect the battery from the boat? (i.e. power to engine and accessories). Could accessories or the engine alternator be damaged if not disconected? The engine is a 2002 50hp Mercury 4 stroke. Thanks<br />The charger is this unit sold at Cnd Tire. <br /><br /> Motomaster Nautilus 10/2A Battery Charger w/ Microprocessor <br /> <br /> Automatic and manual operation <br />10A fully automatic battery charger with reverse polarity protection <br />10amp charge and 2amp trickle charge feature to maintain batteries during off-season storage <br />Ideal for charging 12V marine starting and deep-cycle batteries

 

[jtexas]

Re: When charging battery, do I need to disconect from boat?

nope, just hook it up & plug it in, no problem.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: When charging battery, do I need to disconect from boat?

Some folks that manufacture all kinds of stuff suggest that you do it, but I think they are just covering their ..... The battery is such a low impedance, any spikes in the charging system should be absorbed in it and you shouldn't have to worry about "reverse over voltaging" the rectifiers in the engine's charging circuit.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Silvertip]

Re: When charging battery, do I need to disconect from boat?

Nearly every electronic device has "in-rush" protection on the input. Your car electronics survive for years without be disconnected for charging, so will your marine electronics.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: When charging battery, do I need to disconect from boat?

Just don't start the engine while the battery is being charged externally. A new recifier would be in your future.

 

[Bert1]

Re: When charging battery, do I need to disconect from boat?

OK folks, thanks for the advice.