Keeping batteries charged

[salswin]

Hello all, I'm new to the site and look forward to all the Sea Ray experience out there! My question is this: I have a 1995 230 Sundancer that is kept in an enclosed storage facility in Conroe, Texas. The only real issue I routinely have is my batteries not holding a charge when the boat is not used for a period of time. If I plugged in the shore power, does that somehow also keep my batteries charged when not in use? I only ask because I recently discovered this is a feature of RV's. If this doesn't keep them charged, I welcome ideas!

Thanks,

salawin

 

[Nehalennia]

Do you have a charger built in and shore power?

 

[salswin]

I have shore power, but don't know if there is a charger already in the boat. If there were, would it be near the batteries (I assume)? If that's where it would be, I don't have one. What I'd love to do is somehow have a charger built in that would take away the need for me to pull the carpet and lift the hatch everytime I'm finished boating. Is it possible to get a charger and hook it into my shore power so all I need to do is plug the boat in when I store it? Also, does it hurt to leave the batteries charging for extended periods of time while the boat is not in use? Thanks for the reply!

 

[mwph]

First, welcome to CSR.

Second, You REALLY need to know what you currently have (or don't) have. Any chance you could ask a mechanic or experienced boating friend to give you a tour of the inner workings of the boat? My guess is either you have no charging system or your batteries are spent to the point that they won't hold a charge.

Third check this out...... http://promariner.com/Chargers.php

 

[salswin]

Pretty sure i don't have one already in the boat. With that said, can I assume that I can get one and tie it in to the shore power to keep from having to actually access the batteries each time?

 

[mwph]

Of course. Just make sure you get the right one for your specific needs. Others may chime in with details, but I'm afraid my qualifications end where the above posted website begins.

Be carefull, better yet, have a qualified mechanic do the install.

 

[Larry]

If you have shore power on the boat I would bet there is a charger, look at you electric panel and see if you have a breaker labeled "converter" if you do this is the charger. They always label it as a converter but it is the charger as well. I would plug the boat in and turn off all other breakers, leaving the converter on and plug the boat in, you can leave it like this but it is really not necessary, I would just plug it in every 3-4 weeks for an hour or two. This will keep the batteries charged (if they are going dead in 3-4 weeks and your battery switch is off, the batteries are no good)

 

[Quint4]

If you have a "smart" charger it will keep your batteries topped off and will not overcharge them so you can leave shore power plugged in all the time unless you are using the boat then you need a really, really long extension cord.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Another thing to look for when getting a charger: Make sure it has a "de-sulphation" mode. Using a smart charger like this, it will actually be better to keep it always on, than cycling it on/off.

Larry made a good point - don't overlook that - if they are going dead in just 3 weeks, they are either at the end of their usable life, or you have a larger than normal parasitic draw.

 

[ProMariner]

Salswin,

If you are in need of a charger give me a call. As a Sea Ray owner we offer great discounts on our products. I would be happy to provide the right charger for your application. In addition if you do in fact have a charger feel free to give me a call to discuss.

Jim
ProMariner
603-766-7603
jmitchell@pmariner.com