Battery Charging

[bobby_hamrick]

At first I thought I should keep my boat plugged into the on board Ranger Charger...Ive heard many opinions that suggest I should not.. Whats the word guys?

 

[Shankopotamus]

Good chargers will provide a higher amperage until the batteries are fully charged, then switch to a "maintenance" charge. It's OK to leave this type charger connected, but I still wouldn't leave it connected indefinitely. If you use your boat a couple to a few times a week, leave it plugged up until you need it. If you use your boat once in a while, I'd charge the batteries after a trip, then disconnect it until the night before you plan to go out again.</p>

Leaving a charger connected that doesn't drop the amperage toa trickle charge will unltimately boil off the electrolyte (fluid)in the battery, and ruin it.</p>

 

[hl&s]

Shank has it covered. I would just add that in the winter months if it sits for a few weeks, plug the charger in for a day every two weeks. Keeps mine in good shape. The other concern I've always had with leaving the charger plugged in 24/7 is fire. Sooner or later that charger is going to fail. While all electrical device failures may not result in a fire, why risk it ?</p>

Also, if your battery is not maintenance free make sure to check water level and add distilled water every 90 days.</p>

 

[TightlineT]

I plug mine in until they are charged and then unplug them. I have a reason for this - I plugged mine in one night after fishing and it got a short in it and about caught on fire. Luckily my son walked by and saw it smoking and we were able to yank it out of the boat before she lit up. I forget the brand of the charger, but I bought it at BassPro. I do think it was an off brand. I replaced it with a MinnKota and have had no problems, but I still unhook it. The other one worked for years until the night I about burned the house down.