Battery storage

[MonacoMike]

Ok, three-stage makes more sense to me!! I have a Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power PD2030.
http://www.progressivedyn.com/prod_details/marine_conv/marine_conv_pd2030_1.html

It has the following modes:
- Normal (13.6V)
- Boost (14.4V)
- Trickle (13.2V)
- Equalization/Storage (sulfate prevention, 14.4V for 15 minutes every 21 hours)

It is charging whenever connected to shore power, incuding when we are away from the boat for extended periods. Seems to work well. It's also labelled a converter on my panel. This one is not recommended for AGMs.

I currently have two cranking (dual purpose) for starting and a deep-cycle for house use. This winter I planned to add one or two more deep-cycle house batteries. Output 1 to port cranking, output 2 to starboard cranking, output 3 to the bank of two or three deep-cycles. Can anyone tell me if the 30A will be sufficient for reasonable recharge times of two or three standard (~100-125Ah) deep-cycle batteries (the cranking batteries are typically charged-up when I connect to shore power)?

So is the charger, on the boat in my sig, smart enough to correctly charge all 3 of my batteries if 1 is a deep cycle, and the other 2 different age cranking batteries?

Should be. But, check the owner's manual to be sure.

Most likely, assuming it is similar to the charger on my 2004 280 (see prior post in this thread) and it is connected properly (as it would have been from the factory). The charger on my boat has three outputs that, as I understand it, charge and operate independently.

I agree with this except want to add: all batteries likley need to be the same construction. Meaning all of them need to be one of the folowing, AGM, Gel, or Flooded cell and your charger set to the proper setting. I have not seen a charger where each individual charge line will accept a different battery structure, there is usually only one setting for the charger to select the type. Though they may be starting or deep cycle. MM

 

[tbirdvet]

I agree with MonocoMike.

 

[JimG]

Before you open the package, check the specs on your onboard charger. If it talks about "float" or "maintenance" (which it should), then send those back.

If you do keep those, chargers like that typically only work well with one battery. If you are charging two batteries at the same time, they need to be exactly the same type of battery and you should charge each battery individually, then hook them back together and charge them together.

Putting money into the economy is a good thing, but you really don't need to do it. What you have onboard is fine and designed to be left on all the time. Northern seems to have something a little different as it doesn't back off to a maintenance/float mode.

I checked my manual and the on-board charger is three stage, so I will leave it on this winter.

Took the small Schumacher ones back to the house... I will use them to maintain the ATV and tow truck batteries. :thumbsup:

 

[Lazy Daze]

That's good news. It sure is easier to flip a switch than to get down in the bilge and start hooking up portable chargers!

 

[Russ Calasant]

I have wintered at several different marinas over the years and I have yet to find one with electric available for all. We are usually fighting over the few receptacles with long run extension cords in the spring rush to launch. What is the general consensus on storage without power to the boat? My batteries are AGM, I used to take them home and would alternate charge from time to time. The last couple years I disconnected and left them in the boat after discovering many people I know did the same I have had no issues but maybe I was lucky?

 

[Alex F]

Russ,

I used to take my batteries home for all previous boats and kept them in garage. I would charge them couple times during the winter. I've noticed that a good battery holds the charge while it's disconnected from anything. There should be no reason to loose the charge, unless it's going bad. Having said that I also know people that leave their batteries in place, but disconnected. My biggest reason for taking batteries home was the fact that I couldn't get to them when the boat was covered. Since my 420 has excellent wuick access hatch in the cockpit I'm going to leave the batteries on board and will disconnect the positive side. This is most important part, charge them and disconnect. The marina I bought the boat from failed to do so and they killed 2 batteries. I plan on connecting the shore power to charge the batteries couple times during the winter (providing I'm able to get on board).