[C320-list] Trickle Charger

[JJ Morrison]

Yes, you should disconnect the negative terminals from any battery which supplies power independently. If the batteries are in parallel you only need to disconnect the main cable and not the ones which interconnect the batteries. Hope this is clear??!!
Cheers
JohnM
1999#574 

> From: dprudden at comcast.net
> Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:06:20 -0500
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Trickle Charger
> 
> Do you all recommend disconnecting the battery cables for winter storage? 
> 
> David Prudden
> #787
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On Nov 21, 2012, at 11:23 AM, Dean Vermeire <dean at vermeire.us> wrote:
> 
> > Hi Joe,
> > 
> > West Marine has a few, including this one from Sunforce (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=490082&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50523&subdeptNum=50529&classNum=50530). I think that is it, although I think they have changed the color of the plastic. I think mine is white with a yellow trim. I do remember it being in the $30 - $40 range.
> > 
> > They have larger panels, as well, but then you start having to think about putting it outside the cabin (which may not be a big deal). I just wanted something small that I could place in a window.
> > 
> > Good luck,
> > Dean
> > 
> > 
> > On 11/21/2012 9:34 AM, Joseph R Aberdale wrote:
> >> 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
> >