Charging batteries
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Dixon Hemphill
- Posts: 218
- Joined: Aug 28th, '06, 18:38
- Location: Cape Dory 28 "VASA" #144 Annapolis, MD
Charging batteries
A simple question: On my Cape Dory 28 which I leave in the water over the winter I have two batteries connected in parallel. Since they need charging several times during the next few months I plan to hook them up to my charger. Is the best way just to connect the charger clips to one of the batteries without disconnecting any clips on the battery or must I charge each battery separately after first disconnecting any clips?
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tartansailor
- Posts: 1527
- Joined: Aug 30th, '05, 13:55
- Location: CD25, Renaissance, Milton, DE
Re: Charging batteries
No. Disconnect the batteries from the boat circuit, but keep the 2 batteries connected to each other in PARALLEL.
From your charger connect the + positive clip to battery 1 positive post; and the - negative clip to battery 2, negative post.
That;s how I keep the batteries charged in my diesel van, as recommended by Ford.
Dick
From your charger connect the + positive clip to battery 1 positive post; and the - negative clip to battery 2, negative post.
That;s how I keep the batteries charged in my diesel van, as recommended by Ford.
Dick
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Steve Laume
- Posts: 4127
- Joined: Feb 13th, '05, 20:40
- Location: Raven1984 Cape Dory 30C Hull #309Noank, CT
- Contact:
Re: Charging batteries
Since we have battery switches that keep the batteries isolated from everything I have never seen any reason to disconnect the batteries before charging. I have even turned the switch on and used the DC system while charging. I don't see this as being any different than if the batteries were being charged by the alternator.
How you set up to charge them would depend upon how you use them. If they have always worked as a pair the I would charge them in the same way.
I have a nice automotive charger with gel and AGM settings so I just set it to AGM and clip to a + and _. If you have a battery monitor you will need to attach the - to the incoming side of the shunt. Don't ask me how I know this.
Just make sure you have a good charger with a float cycle or keep a good eye on things. This I all from my own experience and observations so take that as it is, Steve.
How you set up to charge them would depend upon how you use them. If they have always worked as a pair the I would charge them in the same way.
I have a nice automotive charger with gel and AGM settings so I just set it to AGM and clip to a + and _. If you have a battery monitor you will need to attach the - to the incoming side of the shunt. Don't ask me how I know this.
Just make sure you have a good charger with a float cycle or keep a good eye on things. This I all from my own experience and observations so take that as it is, Steve.