Battery Charging

[AKeuro]

Hello all,

I have done some searching but have seen multiple answers, so figured I would make my own post to see what everyone thinks.

I have a 2011 Speedster 150 (155hp) and it is completely stock, no additional stereo components or anything. Just got the boat this year and it has about 16 hours on it. I take the boat out just about every weekend, and usually run it for an hour or two while on the lake. Yesterday when I took the boat out on Sunday (had just been out Wednesday) I went to turn the blower on and the boat would not start. Then I turned the blower off and the boat turned over, but then I got a beep and a '12V LOW' message on the dash. I left the boat running and it was fine for the rest of the day, but it has me concerned. I usually do not have the radio on when the boat is not running, and I know the last 2 times I have been out I have not had it on for more than 15 minutes while the motor was off, and then had a 20-30 minute ride after using the radio. I also always turn the Battery switch to OFF when the boat is on the trailer.

So I am wondering if that is normal with the boat, or if the stator should be charging the battery up more than I am seeing?

Was also considering buying a 'Battery Tender' to hook up while in the garage, but am shocked that I would need to do that when I am using the boat as often as I am.

If I do buy a Battery Tender is it OK to hook it up to the battery in the boat and have it charging as long as I am sure the Battery Switch set to the OFF position? I have heard multiple opinions on this. If I am going to have to hook this up in between trips to the lake, I would rather not have to unhook the battery terminals everytime if it is not necessary.

So to summarize, 2 questions:
1. Does the battery charging behavior above seem normal?
2. Can I hook up a battery tender without disconnecting terminals if battery switch is OFF?

Sorry for the long post, and thanks in advance to anyone who can provide any information.

Thanks,

Kris

 

[WaTeRMaNiaC407]

In my opinion, based on how you have used the boat, I think that your battery is not holding a charge properly. Since it ran fine once you got the boat started, I think that the charging system is working but more likely the battery is not good. You can pull it out and have it tested at any auto parts store.

I can also tell you that I go out and run the radio for several hours with the boat off and I have no problem starting it. I am sure that won't be true once the battery has some wear on it.

 

[sgoyal]

I agree with WaterMaNia.. I keep music "ON" my boat for an hour or so and never had any battery issue..

 

[AKeuro]

Yeah, I guess I will pull the battery and go have it tested. Would really hope it is not the battery, since the boat has only been in service for less than 5 months.

Does anyone hook up a Battery Tender or other float charger to their boat at all with the battery installed?

 

[speedster32940]

Perhaps you have a malfunctioning bilge pump float switch, leaving that "on" without your knowledge????

 

[Macster]

I top my battery up the night before use with a trickle charge (use the boat every 2-3 weeks). The kill switch can be off when charging, provided you connect your trickle charger directly to the battery terminals.

I killed my battery once and had to replace it by leaving the stereo on whilst at home in the garage (volume was off so I didn't notice). If you too have drained yours completely in the past it could have shortened the battery's life.

 

[Macster]

Charging the battery whilst hooked up in the boat is not an issue - I believe you have to be careful if you jump start a Seadoo, as it's easy to fry the electrics if you have a voltage spike i.e. from a running motor

 

[AKeuro]

Perhaps you have a malfunctioning bilge pump float switch, leaving that "on" without your knowledge????

I thought about that as well, but figured if the bilge pump was cycling on and off I would hear it in while it was in the garage.

I top my battery up the night before use with a trickle charge (use the boat every 2-3 weeks). The kill switch can be off when charging, provided you connect your trickle charger directly to the battery terminals.

I killed my battery once and had to replace it by leaving the stereo on whilst at home in the garage (volume was off so I didn't notice). If you too have drained yours completely in the past it could have shortened the battery's life.

Battery has never been drained completely, at least not since I have taken delivery of the boat, and I purchased it new. I am going to try and pull the battery tomorrow and see if I can get it tested if I have time, if not I will do it this weekend.

Thanks to all for the information!

Kris

 

[WaTeRMaNiaC407]

Let us know what you find out.

 

[camelpak]

I leave my battery hooked up to a tender 24/7 when not in use. I do this this on all of my toys (atvs, motorcycles, & even lawn mower). As long as you use a quality tender like "Battery Tender Plus" you shouldn't have any problems. I have learned over the years that I like knowing that my battery is 100% charged when I leave the house on what ever toy I choose to use for the day. I have also experienced my batteries lasting longer than normal.

 

[DEEz]

Yea I found its cheaper to get the trickle charger than to have to buy a new battery every time ya turn around LoL.

I hook one on my Ski, lawnmower, boat atv, & my drag car if they sit over like 2 months that Im not using them.
I actually have a timer on the one on my ski (sits the most) cause I found over time I have to top off my battery's again.

 

[AKeuro]

OK, pulled the battery out and it tested 100% OK.

Ordered a Battery Tender 800 Waterproof and it should arrive this week. Will keep that hooked up to the boat in between trips from now on and I should be good to go.

Thanks to all for the advice and information!

Kris