Charging battery while still in boat

[bigtexan99]

I've read here that I am never to jump start my boat or charge the battery while its in the boat.

However, I have the big Master On/Off switch that disconnects the battery from the boat. Would it be okay to charge the battery in the boat while that switch is set to Off?

 

[Seadoobuddy]

That should be OK, the problem arises when you shoot a large current back to the MPEM.
some people just unhook the battery cables.
Is this in a boat or ski? Please post a pic if possible. This is something I been thinking about.
Please post your water "v-he-cles" in your aviator.

 

[LouDoo]

As long as you use a trickle charger or battery tender (not over 2 amps.) it won't be a problem. If you have an isolation switch you can use a higher amperage charger.

Lou

 

[Biffitis]

I would suspect the risk is explosion from a buildup of Hydrogen gas, not damage to the electrical system.
A spark from a booster cable or gassing from charging the battery in the boat are far more likely than damaging any electrical components.

 

[crisso]

I've read here that I am never to jump start my boat or charge the battery while its in the boat.

However, I have the big Master On/Off switch that disconnects the battery from the boat. Would it be okay to charge the battery in the boat while that switch is set to Off?

SDB.I think it's a boat.I count boat FIVE times

 

[RFoster130]

SDB.I think it's a boat.I count boat FIVE times

And it is also posted in the "BOAT" section.

I also charge mine still in the boat. The cutoff switch isolates it from back feeding. I also installed a quick charge port so i dont have to mess with pulling out the engine cover. I just plug it in and leave it all winter.

 

[crisso]

Haha Six times

 

[bigtexan99]

ahahahaha. Okay i've update my sig! I figured the isolator switch would protect the MPEM from receiving the charging juice but wanted to see if there was something I was not aware of.

I will charge with the 'hood' up, so as to stop any would be explosion.

 

[Biffitis]

Fresh air is your best friend. Also, make sure the charging cables are connected BEFORE you plug in the charger. I've seen many a battery blow up and it's not a pretty sight.

 

[seadoobie]

One reason I remove my battery and charge it is, its possible it could over charge/heat and boil over onto the fiberglass in the engine compartment and possibly damage the fiberglass.

 

[RFoster130]

One reason I remove my battery and charge it is, its possible it could over charge/heat and boil over onto the fiberglass in the engine compartment and possibly damage the fiberglass.

Not with a decent maintainer. That is the whole reason you should buy a charger/maintainer and not just a old school charger.

 

[griz400]

heres what i use, been doin a great job on my battery now for a while, i leave plugged in for bout 4 days at a time, then unplug the same, seems im in and out the garage every day
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher-SpeedCharge-Battery-Maintainer-and-Charger/13005742
its a 1 1/2 amp, that has a pigtail (as u can see in the picture) that u can leave on battery all the time, or use the clamps, i usually either have it plugged into ski, or ridin mower, or 4 wheeler, all the time

 

[RFoster130]

I use one that is pratically the same thing. Just made by Die Hard. I work a part time job at Sears, so i find some decent deals. It was like $17. It came with a 12 volt lighter type plug. I have an outlet permanently wired to the batteries in the storage compartment. So when its time to charge, i just plug the lighter in and im good to go.

 

[Biffitis]

A lot of recreational vehicles (PWC included) use an AGM or Gel Cell battery, not a flooded lead acid battery. These types require a slower charging rate if you expect them to last more than one season. Using a conventional charger can ruin these batteries. Just another reason to get a proper charger/maintainer that's designed to work with AGM/Gells.

Tecmate makes a great range of smart chargers at a reasonable price:

http://www.tecmate.com/u_optimate.php