Battery Charging

[Downlake]

Hello,

Question about battery charging.

I have a two battery system with a perko switch. In the past, after extended periods of non-use, I have pulled the batteries out and charged them. With the perko switch can I just turn the switch to off and hook up the battery charger with all electrical connections still attach to the batteries? All connections are run through the perko switch.

Trying to save a little time and effort. Thanks for your help.

Downlake

[ReelAttitude]

yes, you can set your perko switch to "both "& charge both batteries at the same time or select each one individually to charge as needed

[Hunt'nFish]

If you have a trolling motor socket, you can make the connection to the charger there and switch the Perko to whichever bank you want to charge. It is a simple affair to crimp/solder a troll plug in parallel w/ the clamps.....just make sure the clamps don't touch each other.

Personally I'm not a fan of charging both banks at the same time. Simply because the charger is sensing the voltage and adj'ing the charge current accordingly. By charging both banks at the same time the charger is not sensing the correct voltage and can over charge on of the batteries, resulting in a boil off.

Be sure to check the water levels in the batteries regularly. Capacity & battery life is reduced by low water levels.
Hunt'nFish

[BARCHASER]

Really? I didnt know that. I have two bats with a Perko switch and I have been charging them individually. The battery terminals on my boat are kind of hard to get at, so if I only have to hook the charger to one battery, it would make it easier.

yes, you can set your perko switch to "both "& charge both batteries at the same time or select each one individually to charge as needed

[fishkisser]

I have a two battery system with a perko switch. In the past, after extended periods of non-use, I have pulled the batteries out and charged them.

Downlake

That is the sure fire way to get an even charge on both of them ...
Here are a few onboard 110v chargers you never have to unhook them and they won't overcharge your batteries but they are not cheap...
http://shopping.msn.com/results/marine-battery-chargers/bcatid5643/forsale?text=category:marine-battery-
If you have flooded batteries you should be checking the water level anyway so I think your method is the best for your situation . Unless you also add an automatic battery watering system also ...
Don't ya love all the stuff they make for your "hole in the water" ...:passout:

[ET]

Hello,

Trying to save a little time and effort. Thanks for your help.

Downlake

Here's what I do. I remove the cowling on my outboard and attach my trickle charger to the leads where they connect to the starter. I select battery #1 on my Perko switch and let it charge overnight. Then I switch to battery #2 and give that one 24 hours.

It is best to charge the batteries individually and this is the easiest way for me because I have my batteries strapped down in boxes up front. It is a pain to get to them. I've been doing it this way for many years and my batteries have never failed me. I replaced my last pair after six years usage, just because I figured they were due. If you never let your batteries drain down, they will last a long time.

[timinthegorge]

I got an on-board charger for my two batteries last summer. Now I just park the boat, plug in the charger to my 120 extention cord and I'm good to go...

Both of my batteries are sealed (not needing water)..... :twocents: