See full version: How to Charge a Boat Battery on the Water; A Complete Guide
The ideal boat cruise may sound feasible, but it does not work all the time. The worst-case scenario can always happen to us. We hop in our boat, turn on the key, and ride normally before the engine makes sluggish sounds, then dies in the middle of nowhere. Why? here
To connect the jump-starter with the battery, attach the black wire from the jump-starter to the dead battery’s negative terminal and the red cable to the dead battery’s positive terminal. As soon as the boat starts, remove the wires. [links]
Jump starting a dead boat battery is the most simple solution. All you need is a set of jumper wires and a working battery. However, having a jump starter will make things a lot easier. There are few ways to deal with dead boat battery using jump-starter: here
Using a battery combiner is another simpler option. This device works as jumper cables allow your motor battery to share a charge with another one. To put the combiner in, you need to hook the red lines to each battery’s positive terminals and vice versa with the black lines.
On the other hand, solar chargers may be a very cost-effective solution that provides a continuous supply of power to your battery. These pieces of equipment act like power maintainers rather than chargers due to their finite resources. here
Also be aware that pricing on these units is based in large part on their amp rating--a 15-amp model will recharge your system three times faster than a 5-amp charger, so if you frequently have to have your batteries topped off overnight, investing in the more powerful models may be a must. here
1. The ProMariner Pro Tournament Elite is a top of the line boat battery charger of the sort used in many top-end bass boats as original equipment. The largest model can charge up to four batteries at once. Pro Mariners feature charging at rates 2 to 3 times faster than less expensive models for a full charge during a short tournament overnight. They're smaller and lighter than many models, and a forced induction cooling system cools them during the fast-charge model. LED monitors report charge levels at a glance, and a push to test button gives battery power percentage. It's an investment, but one that will pay dividends for any serious tournament angler who fishes multi-day events as well as for guides and charter-skippers. [links]
Note that there's a big difference between chargers made for charging up your car batteries and those designed specifically for marine use--protections against shock are a major feature on all chargers designed to be used around water, and they're well worth the added price on these units. here
2. Boat chargers like the Minn Kota Digital Linear Charger , though more affordable, features digital control, fast charge times, enhanced status codes, an advanced maintenance mode, multi-stage charging, and automatic temperature control. In addition, these chargers are waterproof, shock- and vibration-resistant and have a tough aluminum housing. They're also saltwater-tested and fully corrosion-resistant, and include short circuit, reverse polarity, and ignition protection. There are models for charging up to three batteries at once, and pricing starts around $200.
In short, a good onboard charger soon pays for itself--if your rig didn't come with a charger as part of the package, now is the time to add one. here
The automatic marine chargers we offer will allow your boat battery to be properly maintained during periods of inactivity. Choose from the latest waterproof marine chargers by Dual Pro, Marinco, and ProMariner. You’ll also find on-board hardwired marine trickle chargers that feature moisture-resistant circuitry, like those from Samlex, ProMariner and Xantrex.
Having trouble with your marine battery? Nothing shortens a battery's life more quickly than storing it without an on-board trickle charger. Before your boat's battery dies in the middle of a lake, you'll want to make sure it has been properly charged. From single bank, 2, 3, or 4 bank chargers to portable, 12-volt marine trickle chargers, and automatic smart chargers, we have everything you need to keep your marine battery full of juice. Select a 12V marine battery charger to learn more about the specs or contact BatteryStuff if you have any questions. more
From a completely discharged condition, it can take many hours to recharge a marine battery. Choose a charger that will restore your battery in no more than about 24 hours for maintenance purposes. If you need a charger for ongoing charge and discharge cycles, then we recommend selecting a charger that can complete the charge in less than 10 hours. Choosing a marine battery charger that takes more time for cycle use will overwork the charger, resulting in a shorter lifespan. Storing with a portable smart charger will increase the life of your marine battery and give you more time to enjoy the water. [links]
Many marine applications require 12, 24, 36 or 48 volt marine batteries. There are also many types of marine batteries, ranging from gel cell, AGM, flooded, maintenance free, and deep cycle. Learn more about picking the right battery charger, or start shopping by viewing the products to the left. more
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May 29, 2019: [links]
The ProMariner Pro Nautic 1250 makes its way onto the list as a reliable choice when you wish to power 12-volt electronics on your motorized vessel or sailboat. It boasts 12 digitally-controlled, performance-changing profiles that you can set with ease by pressing the arrows on the front panel. It’ll charge, maintain, and re-condition your batteries, and will kick into energy conservation mode when appropriate. Its LED indicators show the service mode as well as any faults currently present. Leaving the list, due to lack of availability, is the Schumacher XCS15 SpeedCharge. [links]
Available with one to four banks, the Minn Kota Precision (appx. $286) is one of your best bets for convincing a battery to come back to the land of the living. It's able to quickly resuscitate sluggish power cells, even when voltage to the charger is flagging.
October 21, 2020: here
The ProMariner Pro Nautic 1250 (about $420) offers a convenient dockside power mode for 12-volt DC lighting and appliances. Its user-friendly panel incorporates LED indicators to display the output status, as well as any problems, such as reverse polarity. here
I've asked around as to why the battery compartment doesn't drain into the bilge and one person suggested it may be to prevent battery acid from leaking into the bilge? Has anyone ever come across this problem? I could fully enclose the batteries in separate battery boxes but they do sit in shallow trays which could contain small leaks. There's a similar compartment on the port side but it's dry (for now).
Could water crashing over your stern in a following sea enter the battery compartment? It shouldn't as it should drain out through the scuppers. here
Re: Water in Battery Compartment more