over the winter. I have new Gel Cell batteries and was wondering if I could leave them in the boat. I understand they should be placed on charge from time to time. I was figuring going down one day a month and charging them for a couple of hours. What do you think? Thanks Droop
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In Boat
I leave them in the boat hooked to a 'smart' (so they don't fry themselves) charger. Been doing it for 10 years, works fine.
I leave them in the boat hooked to a 'smart' (so they don't fry themselves) charger. Been doing it for 10 years, works fine.
Solar Charge Offseason
Based on this and the earlier thread, I'm now considering just leaving the batteries in the boat and picking up a solar trickle charger. Saw one for a relatively affordable price rated at 2 watts with the diode to prevent charge heading out of the batteries towards the charger. My question is this, for a low wattage trickle charger like this, do I really need to get a regulator? I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish, but also don't feel a need to buy things that are required. Anyone have a though on this? Thanks - T J
Based on this and the earlier thread, I'm now considering just leaving the batteries in the boat and picking up a solar trickle charger. Saw one for a relatively affordable price rated at 2 watts with the diode to prevent charge heading out of the batteries towards the charger. My question is this, for a low wattage trickle charger like this, do I really need to get a regulator? I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish, but also don't feel a need to buy things that are required. Anyone have a though on this? Thanks - T J
Read the West Marine Advisor on solar panels
and regulators, online or in the catalog. They answer your question. You should also size your panel to make sense based on the size of your battery bank, which you don't mention. Also, for those of you who have separate starting banks, it would be wise to start to think about how to charge both your house and start banks if you use solar power.
and regulators, online or in the catalog. They answer your question. You should also size your panel to make sense based on the size of your battery bank, which you don't mention. Also, for those of you who have separate starting banks, it would be wise to start to think about how to charge both your house and start banks if you use solar power.
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