battery charger installation dumb question

[Kurt Loup]

I purchased a Guest 2611 battery Pro Charge charger over the weekend. Installation seems straightforward, but I have a question. Do you keep onboard chargers connected to the battery at all times or do you remove the connections after charging the batteries? Thanks.

Kurt

 

[Waterwings]

You can keep them attached.

 

[ober51]

I have a likely dumber question: How important is it to have the battery covered? I have been dragging it inside to charge because I dont have it covered or a box for it, can I leave both out in the elements, or will it ruin the battery?

 

[Waterwings]

I'm certainly no expert, but I wouldn't recommend leaving the batteries outside in the elements, especially if it's raining, while charging. Do you have a garage to set the batteries in while charging? A previous boat I had wouldn't fit in my garage, so during the winter, I'd take the batteries out of the boat and set them on a piece of 2"x6" in the garage (for the duration of winter), and occasionally put a maintenance charge on them.

 

[ober51]

I'm certainly no expert, but I wouldn't recommend leaving the batteries outside in the elements, especially if it's raining, while charging. Do you have a garage to set the batteries in while charging? A previous boat I had wouldn't fit in my garage, so during the winter, I'd take the batteries out of the boat and set them on a piece of 2"x6" in the garage (for the duration of winter), and occasionally put a maintenance charge on them.

This is what I figured. With NJ weather, it's hard for me to leave them on the boat without a garage (live with parents). I have an on board Guest 2 bank charger I have yet to use, but will soon. now I'm thinking it might not be worth it if I still have to bring them in more often than not.

 

[ben2go]

Not a good idea to leave batteries or chargers exposed to the weather.It will cause the terminals to corrode and cause connection problems.

 

[Quackrstackr]

This is what I figured. With NJ weather, it's hard for me to leave them on the boat without a garage (live with parents). I have an on board Guest 2 bank charger I have yet to use, but will soon. now I'm thinking it might not be worth it if I still have to bring them in more often than not.

Go and get yourself a tarp from a home improvement store or Wal Mart and cover the boat. For that matter, a piece of plywood covering the batteries and charger to keep the rain, snow and sun off of them would probably suffice.

 

[ober51]

This is what I figured. With NJ weather, it's hard for me to leave them on the boat without a garage (live with parents). I have an on board Guest 2 bank charger I have yet to use, but will soon. now I'm thinking it might not be worth it if I still have to bring them in more often than not.

Go and get yourself a tarp from a home improvement store or Wal Mart and cover the boat. For that matter, a piece of plywood covering the batteries and charger to keep the rain, snow and sun off of them would probably suffice.

I bought a cover, and have tarps. Once I finish my mod I will likely keep the battery in the boat, and do as you suggest.

 

[Waterwings]

This is what I figured. With NJ weather, it's hard for me to leave them on the boat without a garage (live with parents). I have an on board Guest 2 bank charger I have yet to use, but will soon. now I'm thinking it might not be worth it if I still have to bring them in more often than not.

Go and get yourself a tarp from a home improvement store or Wal Mart and cover the boat. For that matter, a piece of plywood covering the batteries and charger to keep the rain, snow and sun off of them would probably suffice.

I bought a cover, and have tarps. Once I finish my mod I will likely keep the battery in the boat, and do as you suggest.

The cover and tarp will work fine. The Tracker I used to own was outside 24/7, and had a cover and tarp tied tightly over it. I left the batts in it except during the winter where I would store them in the garage.

Tracker PT175 buttoned-up for the winter (Dec '07): (my current Lowe rig in the background)

 

[Quackrstackr]

I don't even take mine out in the winter as I never know when I might need to hook to it for hunting or a winter crappie trip. If you are installing an onboard charger, just keep the batteries juiced up and it should be fine.