Proper Battery Charging Process

[mjfarrell2]

Sorry for the stupid question, but I don't want to fry my electrical system in my seadoo. I just acquired a 95 GTS SeaDoo and installed a new Deka Power Sports AGM Battery model ETX16L. I purchased a Battery Tender Plus model 021-0128 to keep the battery charged when not using.

1st question: Should the battery be removed and disconnected from the seadoo while connected to the Tender Plus while charging? I was told by a local seadoo dealer it was OK to charge the battery while still in the seadoo and connected to the +/- terminal cables of the seadoo. The instructions for the Battery Tender Plus also state this, however, they say if the electrical system is a negative ground system, to connect the negative charger clip to the engine block or heavy gauge metal part of the frame (which there is not a frame).
2nd question: Is the seadoo's electrical system a negative grounded system and does this procedure need to be followed or do I simply connect the positive charger clip to the positive battery terminal and the negative charger clip to the negative battery terminal with the battery installed in the seadoo?

 

[seadoosnipe]

Tender....

The tender is just that. It tends to your battery by applying only the needed amount to keep your battery charged. It will shut down when the batteries charge is sufficient.

It is a negative ground system. Yes, put the negative on the negative, positive on the positive.....

Here, in the forum, for charging, we all tend to err on the side of safety. Meaning, why take the chance?....if it's easy enough to get to, disconnect the negative lead from the battery. I disconnect my battery when not in use anyway. So, I'd be already to set it up. I think it's good practice, if your not going to use the ski for a week or so, disconnect the battery anyway. Just my opinion..........:cheers:

 

[mjfarrell2]

Just to be clear, if I do leave the battery connected in the seadoo, do I still connect the negative charger clip to the negative battery terminal and the positive charger clip to the positive battery terminal? This is different than the battery tender instructions which say to connect the negative charger clip to the engine block when leaving the battery connected to the leads.

Also, what is the theory of only disconnecting the negative lead from the battery and not the positive lead when your not using the seadoo for a week or so?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[kustomkarl]

The reason for the engine block is to keep it away from the battery as you would in a car. In the marine application the engine is directly connected to the ground on the battery. Connect it to the ground of the battery. When you ever connect a battery to the seadoo, you always connect the Red+ first and the Negative- last to prevent a spark in the hull of the boat. When disconnecting it's the reverse...negitive- first and the Red+ last. It's a safety thing.
I hope this explains it for you.

Karl

 

[mjfarrell2]

Thanks Karl, That really does help. The order of connecting the battery leads to the terminals is a great tip which I was not aware of.

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[kustomkarl]

Not a problem Mike. Give us a shout if we can help any more. Post some pictures if you get a chance in the "user galleries"

Karl

 

[seadoosnipe]

Battery tender....

Actually, for connecting a charger/tender, you need to attach the connectors from the charger first, then plug it in. That is prescribed in the directions of the tender.

 

[mjfarrell2]

Will do, Thanks for the additional tip Seadoosnipe.:hurray: