Battery Charger

A

ahill

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I finally got an in water slip.
My questions are:
1. should I leave the battery charger turned on all the time
2. I was told that I should install a Dynaplate and ground the batteries, Hard top and bowrail to it.
Suggestions please.
 
Charger always on if is a factory installed. You did not mention what boat you have, what year, did you install the charger?, maybe boat has factory installed dyn plate or equivelant( through hull fittings under water are usually grounded).
 
With the exception of two-three day periods for annual haul-out, out boat has been "connected" for the last SIX years. Specifically,
- shore power always on
- factory-installed Charles Charger always on
- 12VDC refrigerator always on, with 12 cans on one shelf, 12 cans on the other shelf, and "four in the door"....

Brian
 
Thanks.
Boat is a 272 Sailfish with dealer installed guest charger. I'll check my thru hulls for ground. If not grounded what should they be grounded to? Neg pole on battery?
I like the idea of keeping the fridge on and stocked.
 
ahill, is lightning prevalent in your area ?

What kind of service advised bonding the railing, etc?
 
BobP said:
ahill, is lightning prevalent in your area ?

What kind of service advised bonding the railing, etc?
Click to expand...

The boat is in Homestead, FL, lightning IS an issue. At least I don't have to worry about earthquakes and wildfires.

The advice came from a local (Stuart) marine electrician.

I have experienced, on a different boat near thunderstorms, an electric arc between the bimini top and antenna.

What is your concern about bonding the bowrail?
 
I'm not familiar with protecting these small boats against lightning,
no other possible purpose for the rail/hardtop bonding.
I would have bet money the strike would clip the VHF antenna and blow the radio out, that's it, ifte boat is sitting in water when it occurs. Not much money.

The metal (bronze) thru hulls in my boat are not bonded, never had a problem with them.
 
charger

I have a three bank charger thats always on when close to power. the charger is also a conditioner and is recommended that it stay on when possible. have always done this on all my boats and have never had an issue. when storing for the winter I disconnect all connections to the batteries. Putting on my engineer hat now......for a lead acid battery it is better to condition than to fully discharge and charge.

just my O2
 
ahill said:
Thanks.
Boat is a 272 Sailfish with dealer installed guest charger. I'll check my thru hulls for ground. If not grounded what should they be grounded to? Neg pole on battery?
Click to expand...

Any feedback on grounding to battery?
 
If you have shore power, there should be at least 1 wire going to a thru-hull so you have a good ground. I'm pretty sure the (neg) term of the batteries is tied to ground if you have shore power.

Honestly, I might prefer the rails and hard-top not be tied to ground. With them tied to ground, you have lightning rods all over the boat that WILL attract lightning (it will be the path of least resistance). A #8 wire will not be happy shunting a lightning strike.
 
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