Charge batteries in closed & covered boat?

[robertsmcfarland]

I think it might be a bad battery if you have to keep a charge on. I have never put a battery charger on any of my boats and they stay out side year round ,covered boat slip. Run stereo all the time, even a lot while the engine is off , just make sure you always use the toggle switch (all-power off} when you are finished for the day.

[SkiTundra]

Interesting discussion. I've had a couple of instances where my batteries drained in a 2 - 3 week period of sitting, I think primarily from the bilge pumps running after heavy rains (and w/ factory cover, prior to getting a Coversports). Hopefully so much running of the bilge pumps is now a thing of the past. Last summer I alternated batteries, running on A for a day, then B the next outing, and A+B while sitting (rather drain both batteries than find a sunk boat).

GCsuper, which onboard charger are you using? Happy w/ it?

Wakeslayer, you don't have to charge your batteries in the spring? They maintain a charge over the winter?

[WakeSlayer]

Wakeslayer, you don't have to charge your batteries in the spring? They maintain a charge over the winter?

Nope, never have. Always started first try. I winterize early October, and summerize mid April. I just throw my perko switch to off when it is going to sit for a while. I did gaff it a bit last year, and left my ignition button on after summerizing. Did not launch for 2-3 weeks after. That left me with a pair of dead batteries, but as long as that is off, never been a problem.

[GCSuper]

Interesting discussion. I've had a couple of instances where my batteries drained in a 2 - 3 week period of sitting, I think primarily from the bilge pumps running after heavy rains (and w/ factory cover, prior to getting a Coversports). Hopefully so much running of the bilge pumps is now a thing of the past. Last summer I alternated batteries, running on A for a day, then B the next outing, and A+B while sitting (rather drain both batteries than find a sunk boat).

GCsuper, which onboard charger are you using? Happy w/ it?

Wakeslayer, you don't have to charge your batteries in the spring? They maintain a charge over the winter?

Not even sure of the brand. Offered as a factory option. Haven't hooked it up yet, but I love the easy hook up. It has it's own plug, you just add and extension cord to it. I've always used battery tenders on boats, mororcycles, four wheelers, whatever has a battery. I always use the smart ones that don't just constantly put out a charge, but constantly check for battery drain. I've had too many dead batteries in the past. Much prefer knowing my batteries are going to be OK, plus they will last several years longer.

[johnboyy7]

I'm in the same "boat" as slayer. I don't charge at all but turn the togle off everytime.

[keegan]

the books say that you should not leave the chargers on unless well ventilated?? i think if a battery were to go you would be equally as F'd weather the cover was on or off.

if i had a boat that i left outdoors and covered, i would have no problem running a cord and a charger under the boat. if anything the heat of the charger would keep some moisture out of the boat.

-keegan