03-27-2020, 03:24 PM
There are a couple of battery configurations to consider on larger boats. One configuration is the cranking batteries. I have two on my boat; one for each outboard motor (150 hp & 9.9 hp). I NEVER charge these bateries during the boating season. The are being charged everytime I run either motor while boating. At the end of the season, I pull them from the boat and store them in a heated room in my garage. When the storage season is done, I connect a charger and top them off overnight. They usually last about 7 to 8 years.
The second configuration are my electric trolling motor baterries (2 each). These are connected to a 2-bank, on-board charger (Minn Kota) and this charger is designed to be left connected and plugged in 24/7. The design is such that it can not overcharge your batteries unless it malfunctions. I leave these two batteries in my boat 365 days a year and the bank is plugged in 24/7 while the boat is in storage - both long term (winter) and short term (summer). You will not harm your batterries using one of these on-board chargers designed for this purpose.
If you are charging your electric trolling motor batteries with an automotive type battery charger. I would not recommend that you do this UNLESS you are 100% certain that your automotive battery charger is of the same design as the on-board chargers and have the circuitry to operate on a long term connection. Most are NOT designed to do this.
The second configuration are my electric trolling motor baterries (2 each). These are connected to a 2-bank, on-board charger (Minn Kota) and this charger is designed to be left connected and plugged in 24/7. The design is such that it can not overcharge your batteries unless it malfunctions. I leave these two batteries in my boat 365 days a year and the bank is plugged in 24/7 while the boat is in storage - both long term (winter) and short term (summer). You will not harm your batterries using one of these on-board chargers designed for this purpose.
If you are charging your electric trolling motor batteries with an automotive type battery charger. I would not recommend that you do this UNLESS you are 100% certain that your automotive battery charger is of the same design as the on-board chargers and have the circuitry to operate on a long term connection. Most are NOT designed to do this.
Bob Hicks, from Utah
I'm 81 years young and going as hard as I can for as long as I can.
"Free men do not ask permission to bear arms."
I'm 81 years young and going as hard as I can for as long as I can.
"Free men do not ask permission to bear arms."