Questions about keeping a boat docked all season.

[Johnc3211]

I have a 93 250 EC that we are keeping on Lake Erie this season. Just got it last year. Just got the bottom painted and getting ready to put in next week. My boat seems to have most of the optional equipment, shore power, shore water, refrigerator, electric stove, microwave, hot water tank, and converter. I plugged in the shore power today for the first time and seems ok. The converter showed a 2 amp charge, the batteries were just installed and freshly charged. I have 2 batteries and a switch. Does the converter charge both batteries at the same time or just the battery that the switch is on? I downloaded an owners manual, but it doesn't really explain, just keep shore power and converter on when docked to keep battery charged up. Also if I hook up shore water, does it fill the water tank or just pressurize the lines. Thanks very much.

 

[Little Ducky]

With a boat of your vintage things could have been changed with regards to how the battery charger is installed. Please take some pictures and try to chase down the wires. Knowing the make and model of the battery charger would help as well.

The city water hook up should just pressurize the lines. If the water holding tank hasn't been used in a while you might want to add a few ounces of bleach on your 1st fill up and flush out the system including the hot water tank. It's been discussed on here a few times and should be easy to find. BTW never leave your city water pressurized while you are away from the boat. That's the quickest way to sink your boat if a water line pops.

 

[DWABoat]

Do you have an outboard motor or inboard/outboard?
Are you plugging in to a marine shore power system installed by professional marine electrician or a house outlet on the dock?
93 is an old system. I would want my electrical system inspected by a marine electrician due to potential for stray current and conforming with current codes for circuit interruption.
Finally, is your bonding system efficient for corrosion prevention? I realize you are in fresh water, but I know for a fact corrosion will occur in fresh water because I keep boats in the Mississippi River. Corrosion is still an issue - but it can be defeated.

 

[Hoplite808]

@Johnc3211 If it’s the original converter it should charge both batteries. Easiest way to be sure is use a handheld volt meter on the batteries and measure the voltage on both with the switch off then on while it’s plugged in to shore power. The battery switch shouldn’t have to be on either battery when just charging.

 

[Johnc3211]

Thanks everyone. As far as I know everything is original and looks in excellent condition. Wiring looks clean and neat and unmodified as far as I can tell. I'll try the voltmeter, good idea. Thanks

 

[Pirate Lady]

I have a 91, your wiring is fine. Your charger should go directly to batts, not thru Perko switch, so it chargers both batts regardless of Perko setting. If you have the original charger, consider upgrading to a Promariner 44028.