I know im full of questions but I'm new to boat owning so here is one more. Is it a good idea to charge the boat battery before a long weekend? If so do I have to disconnect the battery from the boat to charge it? Thanks in advance.
Correct battery charging procedure?
- Thread starter hemi2nv
- Start date
TexasA&M
New Member
If it's your first time out on the boat for the year, or the boat has been sitting for a long period of time (several months), it wouldn't hurt to charge it, but other than that, I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure to keep the batteries charged over the winter and you should be able to get several years out of them.
As for charging, no need to unhook or remove the battery. Some people do disconnect and remove for long term storage, but there is no issue to charge the battery while it is connected.
As for charging, no need to unhook or remove the battery. Some people do disconnect and remove for long term storage, but there is no issue to charge the battery while it is connected.
OldSkool
Active Member
- May 8, 2010
- 4,360
- Boat Info
- restored 1976 SRV200
- Engines
- 188 Mercruiser I/O
The secret to a good charge is to use a slow or trickle charge. There are usually 2 settings on a battery charger. Slow charge and fast charge. A slow charge allows the battery to completely charge every cell from top to bottom, also known as a deep charge. This type of charge will give you the maximum cranking amperage.
A fast charge will allow you to start the engine then the engines alternator takes over charging the battery. Commonly known as a top charge. If the engine dies before the batteries are charged you will need to jump or fast start it again.
It is good to disconnect the batteries on a boat or any vehicle using computors or controllers, ECM's, ECU's, etc.. A battery charger can spike when initially turned on. Voltage strikes as high as 80 volts can happen when a charger is turned on. (NEVER CONNECT THE CHARGER WHILE IT IS ON)
A spike of 42 volts for 2 seconds can take out $10,000.00 worth of controllers in the equipment I support.
A fast charge will allow you to start the engine then the engines alternator takes over charging the battery. Commonly known as a top charge. If the engine dies before the batteries are charged you will need to jump or fast start it again.
It is good to disconnect the batteries on a boat or any vehicle using computors or controllers, ECM's, ECU's, etc.. A battery charger can spike when initially turned on. Voltage strikes as high as 80 volts can happen when a charger is turned on. (NEVER CONNECT THE CHARGER WHILE IT IS ON)
A spike of 42 volts for 2 seconds can take out $10,000.00 worth of controllers in the equipment I support.
hblock72
Active Member
- May 11, 2009
- 248
- Boat Info
- 2007 185 sport w/wakeboard package
- Engines
- 4.3 TKS
A Battery Tender is a great investment.
