Charging batteries

  • castertroy
    Posts: 30
    August 23, 2011 at 7:19 pm #1320217

    Is it best to plug the charger in after every trip, even if out for only a few hours? Or is it better to run the batteries lower, then recharge?

    Whiskerkev
    Madison
    Posts: 3835
    August 23, 2011 at 7:24 pm #990337

    Never ever let a battery sit not fully charged.

    buckshot
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 1654
    August 23, 2011 at 8:01 pm #968038

    If you have an on board charger that charges and maintains a charge just leave it plugged in all the time. I have an 02 Ranger that is almost always plugged in when not in use and I have had great luck with batteries and no issues with the charger.

    fishthumper
    Sartell, MN.
    Posts: 11923
    August 23, 2011 at 8:19 pm #990360

    I plug mine in after each use – no matter how much charge was used. Not sure if that is the best for the battery – Just want mine fully charged each time out – You never know how windy it is going to be or how long you may want to stay out. The last thing I’d want is for the trolling batteries to go dead when the fish are biting

    Bassn Dan
    Posts: 977
    August 23, 2011 at 8:49 pm #990370

    Quote:

    Never ever let a battery sit not fully charged.

    X2. Including the starting battery – especially if you are making a lot of short runs with the gas motor. Anything less than FULL charge leads to short battery life and frequent battery replacement.

    Dan

    castertroy
    Posts: 30
    August 23, 2011 at 9:03 pm #990376

    Thanks Guys. I have been plugging it in after each trip. I just wasn’t sure if the short charges were good for the batteries.

    dorancehefte
    Wisconsin
    Posts: 155
    August 23, 2011 at 10:09 pm #990386

    The chemical reaction that creates the electric current leaves a residue of a chemical. The charging process reverses the reaction so that residue gets back in place. If there is any vibration (like from the 70+ trains past my house every day or bouncing down the lake), the residue settles to the bottom of the battery – never to produce electricity again. SO, recharge with a good charger that maintains that maintains without overcharging.

    Eric Rehberg
    Eau Claire, WI
    Posts: 3071
    August 23, 2011 at 11:18 pm #990404

    Yep, plug her in after every use and leave it plugged in whenever you can.

    Wade Boardman
    Grand Rapids, MN
    Posts: 4453
    August 23, 2011 at 11:45 pm #990417

    Quote:

    Yep, plug her in after every use and leave it plugged in whenever you can.



    Eric, can you say that again? We are supposed to leave the charger plugged in whenever the boat is in the garage? It won’t hurt it to leave it plugged in?

    Gary Sanders
    Lake Wisconsin
    Posts: 434
    August 24, 2011 at 12:49 am #990438

    That depends on the charger. Some chargers will just keep cooking your battery so better to find out what you have first.

    fishthumper
    Sartell, MN.
    Posts: 11923
    August 24, 2011 at 3:40 pm #990559

    Quote:

    Quote:

    That depends on the charger. Some chargers will just keep cooking your battery so better to find out what you have first.


    MK 460D (4 bank) Purchased April 2011
    http://store.minnkotamotors.com/products/418676/MK_460D_%284_bank%29

    I believe that unit is a fully automatic model – you should be able to plug it in and forget it. It should turn itself off after fully charged and even cycle back on if needed.

    mike-g
    Bloomington,MN
    Posts: 556
    August 24, 2011 at 5:08 pm #990598

    Quote:

    Quote:

    That depends on the charger. Some chargers will just keep cooking your battery so better to find out what you have first.


    MK 460D (4 bank) Purchased April 2011
    http://store.minnkotamotors.com/products/418676/MK_460D_%284_bank%29

    “Automatic shut-off feature extends battery life by shutting down when charging is complete.” Straight from the link. Should be good to go……..I leave mine plugged in 24/7 on the lift or in the driveway.

    Eric Rehberg
    Eau Claire, WI
    Posts: 3071
    August 24, 2011 at 10:03 pm #990692

    Yes wade, as long as the charger is operating properaly you can leave it plugged in at all times. Once the battery gets fully charged it will turn off. Once it drops to somewhere around 96% it will kick back on to maintain and also bring it back to at least 98%. Shouldnt have to worry about it cooking the batteries at all!!!

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