Battery isolator with battery tender

[Mobile Mike]

On my 205 Sport, I have a battery isolator to shut down power to everything on the boat. I also keep a battery tender hooked up when not in use. For those with the same set up, do you use your isolator? Does it matter if the isolator is in the on or off switch with the battery tender connected?

 

[hblock72]

I'm assuming your battery tender is hooked up directly to the battery, in which case the battery tender will always work to charge/maintain the battery regardless of the isolator switch. As far as leaving the battery switch off or on, it's probably best to turn it off, but I don't think it really matters all that much. I don't always turn mine off during the season, but try to remember to turn it off during winter layup. The disadvantage of leaving it on would be in the event there was some kind of current draw on the battery and the battery tender couldn't keep up. It would likely ruin both your battery and battery tender.

 

[Msauder123]

If you mean the isolator is a disconnect switch? As in I turn it off...that is the best scenario anytime the boat is laid up for any amount of time.