Dumb question from a newbie

[ButchM]

So, our boat sits on a lift at our dock all winter. We just had it recommissioned for the summer and I know the techs had to jump the battery for that process. I assume that means it will need to be charged before I can take it out.

Here's the dumb question: Will I need to uncover the boat and do anything inside (i.e., do something to the battery switch) before plugging it in to shore power to charge the battery? I think I've read where the shore power will charge both batteries - even if the battery switch is set to "off."

I'm sure there could be differences between different boats and perhaps some modifications that have been made, but what is the general situation? Can I just plug it in to charge?

Thanks!

 

[hughespat57]

Correct the batteries should charge even if the battery switch is off.
Of course you need the right AC breakers on for your converter charger.
After a few hours you should have enough juice to open the hatches. (assuming electric lift)

Killing the batteries over the winter is not good for the batteries, they may not fully recover.
This is why it is suggested to disconnect them completely during winterizing. (Or plug in shore power occasionally for a day or two)
There are always a few 24x7 power draws for radio memory and such that over a long period will kill that battery.

 

[b_arrington]

You would at least have to turn on the shore power breaker inside the boat, and have to toggle the battery charger switch.

 

[Creekwood]

If you just bought the boat, you may want to consider replacing the batteries as a starting point. They are dated on the top and if they have been run down over winter, they may not come back to life very well. IF they are over 3 years old, save yourself some headache and replace them and start fresh.

 

[Fill Ess]

If there's one thing that will let you down at the worst possible time: it's batteries. It's gotten to the point where if there's slightest hint of an issue with a battery, I just replace. Whether it's car, truck, boat, tractor etc. If they took a charge they might be okay now, but then all of a sudden one or more is not

Assuming your boat has an on-board battery charger?

 

[Pirate Lady]

If there's one thing that will let you down at the worst possible time: it's batteries. It's gotten to the point where if there's slightest hint of an issue with a battery, I just replace. Whether it's car, truck, boat, tractor etc. If they took a charge they might be okay now, but then all of a sudden one or more is not

Assuming your boat has an on-board battery charger?

OH HELL YA! Spent a day with a buddy pulling and testing starters, alternators, solenoids, etc, while he asking about battery and I told him the battery was 2 months old. Yup, end of day it was bad battery. Always Always never trust the battery. Unless factory new they are all rebuilt junk from Mexico.

 

[Bt Doctur]

If it went dead over the winter ,its NO GOOD

 

[Pirate Lady]

There are no dumb questions.

 

[Fill Ess]

If there's one thing that will let you down at the worst possible time: it's batteries. It's gotten to the point where if there's slightest hint of an issue with a battery, I just replace. Whether it's car, truck, boat, tractor etc. If they took a charge they might be okay now, but then all of a sudden one or more is not

Assuming your boat has an on-board battery charger?

Been having a slow start on the port side lately, then this weekend the stbd would not start at all w/o the emergency switch. Out to the store, 4 new batteries swapped in, all good! Never try to hold on out replacing batteries.