12 Volt Battery

[Gary16360]

So this weekend, I found that my batterty was dead. Not that I need it to sail or to start my motor...so it did not impede the weekend as I was at a dock by nightfall. Regardless, I'm looking for advice on battery rechargers. What's working, what's not, what should I try, what's the best thing to re-charge and keep it charged?Thanks in advance for the advice.GaryCompass Rose

 

[mdsailing15653]

Charger

I use a 3 stage Guest battery charger. It connects directly to the batteries and all you have to do is plug the charger into an outlet on your dock. A 3 stage charger will automatically provide your battery with the correct amount of voltage at any given time. It will not overcharge your batteries and thus prolog their life.

 

[keel_haul]

Solar ChargeS

Solar charge flat panals cost about $100 and simlply sit in your cockpit collecting sunbeams during the day and charging your battery. When you are sailing through it below. Its wire sneaks happily below you bottom hatch slide. Mine works very nicely so long as you turn off consuming items. It could not keep up with the masthead light I left on in error. I also carry a MightyMite Jumpstart from Sears (Cost $49) that will get things going. If you send in for the special Male-to-Male cord from the cigarette lighter you can recharge it from the boat's engine. Neat!

 

[Drew13440]

Good insight...

...from Don Casey can be found at the following two links. I've a 5 watt panel, no shore power and have had no issues w/dead battery. Run only lights so far. Good luck. Drewhttp://www.sailnet.com/collections/articles/index.cfm?articleid=caseyd014http://www.sailnet.com/collections/articles/index.cfm?articleid=caseyd021

 

[John Kagan]

Shore Power Charger

I recently purchased a portable shore power charger. I purchased the 10amp version which can easily charge the battery overnight. It can be left on without harming the battery and is a good value. It does not need permanent installation.