[C320-list] Batteries Off or All

[allan.field at comcast.net]

Actually Jeff, when I bought Sea Shadow, the dealer advised me to have the switch to ALL when running the fridge.  He never gave a reason but had he, he probably would have given the ones you list below which make perfect sense.  But after losing both lead batteries to the stock charger, I will continue to err where I am now.  Seems to me the risk of the power going down at any time in the Marina is far higher than that of getting hit by lightening at the dock surrounded by many other lightening rods! - Allan

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Jeff Hare" <hare at cadence.com> 

> Hi All, 
> 
> If it makes you feel better switching back and forth between the 
> batteries, then by all means continue. :) 
> 
> The shore power is charging both batteries regardless of the switch 
> position. I think you're better off leaving the switch in the ALL 
> position when on shore power for these reasons. 
> 
> 1: If you lost shore power, your fridge would run MUCH longer and damage 
> the batteries less since the discharge rate is much slower. 
> 
> 2: If you lost shore power and you also sprung a leak.. Ie a lighting 
> strike popped your breaker and you ended up some minor damage that 
> caused a slow leak, your bilge pump would run a lot longer. 
> 
> 3: Since the fridge is running, the shore power charger may be supplying 
> more than trickle charge voltage to the battery bank which would have 
> the tendency to over charge the battery that isn't hooked up to the 
> fridge. 
> 
> I could go on, but you get the idea... :) 
> 
> Perhaps the person who indicates that you should turn one off could 
> supply some contrary theories that we can use to balance out the 
> discussion? 
> 
> Cheers! 
> -Jeff 
> 
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