Understanding Battery Charging

[moccq]

I have an '05 226 Seafarer with an F250, dual batteries. I see a few references to "charging system" in manuals etc but not much detail relating to functionality, eg. how it works....anyone out there have some detail to share ? ( Is the F250 basically like a auto , eg charges both batts while underway ?

Should I be investing in battery charger for at the dock (e.g. DualPro, Guest, type chargers ) or is regular usage enough to keep the batt's in functional shape

Thanks in advance..

 

[moccq]

Found the below entry after submiting my post..it is very helpful..

Would still be interested in anyones inputs and information..

Existing post:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9808

 

[Doc Stressor]

Yamahas from 150 hp up can use an optional auxiliary charging cable. This allows both batteries to be charged while the switch is in the #1 position, yet prevents one battery from discharging the other. It accomplishes the same function as a battery isolator and its built right into the engine.

If your boat doesn't have one of these, you should consider getting one. They cost about $70. You'll never have to worry about switching between batteries except in an emergency.

 

[Strikezone]

My '00 228 is set up with a battery switch. The engine only charges the battery that is selected (unless BOTH is selected).

I typically set the switch on battery #1 on the way out and switch to battery #2 on the way back in. I never leave the switch on BOTH. This works well for me to keep both batteries charged.

I've thought about installing a battery charger that will charge both batteries at once. This would be useful during the winter months when I'm on the boat a lot less.

 

[capt chris]

I use a Pulse Tech Xtreme 2 bank charger on my 2008 Tournamnet 225 when the boat is sitting. Believe it or not I am still on my original Deka batteries and my boat was one of the first 2008s built in Oct 2007. This is the best charger I have ever used and their pulse technology keeps the plates from gunking up. I bought them @ Battery Stuff.com and highly recommend them. The charger is not water proof but it comes with plug in connectors to each battery so you can remove it in nothing flat. I also have one for my Bass Tracker that charges the starting battery and the trolling motor deep cycle battery simultaneously. I leave them connected to both boats all winter and every minute the boats are not being used in the summers. I never have to take the batteries off the boats.

 

[grady33]

When my guest charger on my sailfish went out 5-6 years ago, I waited a few years and ended up replacing it with a Minn Kota 3 bank charger. It works great and keeps the batteries in good shape. I no longer remove the batteries from the boat in the winter and just periodically run the charger. The charger is connected to shore power. Was a easy install.