[C320-list] Trickle Charger

[Joseph R Aberdale]

Dean,

What company and model?

Thanks
Joe
#908

On Nov 21, 2012, at 9:14 AM, Dean Vermeire <dean at vermeire.us> wrote:

> I'm joining a little late on the conversation, so forgive me if anyone else has already suggested this.  Have you considered a solar charger?
> 
> I bought a small (about 12" x 5") solar panel battery charger that has done a pretty good job.  I just set it inside one of the side windows (assuming the boat cover does not cover the window).  It takes really very little sunlight to make it go.  There is a little green LED that lights up when it has enough sunlight.  If nothing else, you could get three of them and charge your batteries separately for the winter.
> 
> Just a thought.
> 
> Dean Vermeire
> Moonstruck II (#847)
> 
> On 11/21/2012 8:01 AM, resloat wrote:
>> 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
>> 
>> 
>> 
>