[C320-list] Trickle Charger

[resloat]

Joe-Here in northern Illinois, my marina prohibits any unattended electrical 
hook ups when stored on the tarmac.  Their reason is that something could go 
wrong and take down a bunch of boats.  Check to see if that is an issue 
before considering an unattended trickle charger.

I have 12 seasons on my boat and on a second set of 2 4D batteries.  The 
drill is to equalize them in Oct before haul out and make sure they are 
fully charged when in the slip and check them over the winter once a month. 
I disconnect the positives from each battery.  In the spring before launch I 
bring my portable charger to the boat and put a touch up charge on the 
batteries.  They have stayed over 12 volts over all winters and the charger 
only works about 15 minutes on each battery before it indicates the 
batteries are maxed out.  The charged is not a high amperage one so the 
batteries are in good shape before topping them off.

During the sailing season I am at a slip with 24/7 power and a Xantrex 20 A 
charger which replaced the original ProMariner a few years ago. The 
batteries don't get big discharge cycles except for a occasional cruise.

Bob Sloat
Savannah 894 (2002)
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joseph R Aberdale" <summerwind3 at comcast.net>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 10:59 AM
Subject: [C320-list] Trickle Charger


I have 3 starter batteries that I think I should leave on a trickle charger 
until May, unless anyone has a better idea as to how to best maintain them. 
Does anyone know of a good trickle charger that can charge 3 batteries 
simultaneously?

Thank you.  Your help is appreciated.

Joe Aberdale
#908