Do I keep the battery on the charger

[woondirch]

hello all,

I have a 12 ft seaking with a 50 lb trust trolling motor and a mid level 12 V deep cycle battery (walmart)
also an inexpensive 6 V "smart charger". I'll only be able to get out on the water about 3 to 7 times a month.

My question is do I keep the battery on the trickle all of the time, or just plug it into the charger the night before I go out?
Or is there a maintenance schedule that anybody has had success with. I just hope to get 2 to 3 years out of the battery.

ps. thanks to all on this site that told me to buy the biggest motor that I could afford, not only can I fish but I can also have some
fun scooting around, and wind (Canyon Lake, AZ) is only a minor problem.

Cheers

 

[Wallijig]

hello all,

I have a 12 ft seaking with a 50 lb trust trolling motor and a mid level 12 V deep cycle battery (walmart)
also an inexpensive 6 V "smart charger". I'll only be able to get out on the water about 3 to 7 times a month.

My question is do I keep the battery on the trickle all of the time, or just plug it into the charger the night before I go out?
Or is there a maintenance schedule that anybody has had success with. I just hope to get 2 to 3 years out of the battery.

ps. thanks to all on this site that told me to buy the biggest motor that I could afford, not only can I fish but I can also have some
fun scooting around, and wind (Canyon Lake, AZ) is only a minor problem.

Cheers

Not matter how long you have charger plugged in, it will not charge it completely if you are using that 6v "smart charger" on 12v battery. If using "smart" 12v charger it will monitor battery and trickle charge it as needed. no need to unhook.

 

[redbug]

I assume you mean a 6 amp charger not 6 volts. that being said if the charger will shut off and monitor your battery it should be fine to leave it plugged in all the time

 

[user 7806]

L leave mine hooked up all the time, I think this is suppose to be better for the battery

 

[New River Rat]

I installed a Cabela's On-Board Marine Charger, and when I get home, plug it and forget about it!

 

[richg99]

Don't forget to check the water level in your battery from time to time. Nothing kills a battery quicker than low water levels.

Every time I buy a new battery (usually at WWorld), I ask them if it is if fully charged and do I need to put water in? They always say "YES it is fully charged and, NO it shouldn't need water". Nonsense, the last three all needed water and charging.

My boat is kept in the water, five miles from my house, and charging is a problem. Buying a half-charged, low-water battery is something I have to worry about more than some others.

regards, Rich

 

[woondirch]

thanks all,

correct on the 6 AMP charger, I'll give it a go and keep it plugged in. I'm thinking of buying a small battery as a back up to get home if need be. I guess I need to get out and see how long the battery lasts too. Can't wait to get my old clinton running, then I'll have both.

cheers