Oops, left my AC Converter on, Damage?

M

marqbloq

New Member
Feb 25, 2007
222
Portland Oregon
Boat Info
2007 320 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 5.7 Horizon VD's
Please Advise:

I just had that sinking feeling that I left my AC Converter on last weekend and the boat is hooked up to Shore Power.

My 320 has four gel batteries so my question is... "what kind of damage will this do?"

Thanks,

Marqus
 
As long as the charger attached to the converter is compatible with the gel cells, I don't see any issues. This way you don't have to worry about the bilge pumps running the batteries dry and sinking the boat!! :)
 
marqbloq said:
Please Advise:

I just had that sinking feeling that I left my AC Converter on last weekend and the boat is hooked up to Shore Power.

My 320 has four gel batteries so my question is... "what kind of damage will this do?"

Thanks,

Marqus
Click to expand...

Although one can't be sure from the info given, it doesn't sound too abnormal. Do you really have gel batteries, or do you have AGM's (like Optima). Gel batteries do require less voltage during the charge and trickle phases than regular lead acid batteries. AGM's require less than lead acid, but just a little less, and from what I can tell, AGM's are substituted regularly without any changes to the chargers.

If this is your 2007, I can only assume that it has the original batteries and the original charger. If so, I would assume that they are compatible. If they are compatible, it would be normal to leave them on. The batteries take quite a long time to get fully charged after usage, so it's a good idea to leave the charger on them after a good drain.
 
When you say AC Convertor, are you referring to your battery charger? If so, it should be left on to recharge your batteries while hooked to shore power. The newer ones are all electronic and will not overcharge your batteries if that is what you are worried about. In all likelihood you have a Guest Battery Charger. Here is their web site where they talk about this. http://www.marinco.com/scpt/brandDrill.php?currentMarketName=Guest Recreational
 
No damage. I have gel batteries and leave the ac converter on 24/7 while plugged into shore power. My owner guide says this is the way to go.
 
I'm plogged in all the time as well. When my 240 stays by the house, I have it plugged in to make sure the batteries are charged before the trip. I also turn on the fridge to keep things cool.

Alex.
 
marqbloq said:
Thank you all, this is a big relief! You're the best, Happy Holidays!
Marq
Click to expand...

Marq, From what I've heard from my dealer and others is you are more apt to have problems with gel batteries if you do not keep them on a charger 24/7. Apparently they are easily damaged if you accidently discharge them completely by leaving something on while away from the boat. So the thinking goes, they are less forgiving of abuse and you pay a premium for them to achieve the longer life; therefore you maintain them 24/7.
Happy holidays to you as well.
 
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