On board battery charger

[Procraft 176]

Now with all that said from different views.Who's batteries has the longest life (as for as time to buy a battery ) The batteries that stay plugged up, or the batteries that just get charged after a fishing trip, then unplugged ?

[Tube man]

Leaving your batteries connected to a on-board smart charger will not harm your batteries, it's just the opposite. It's better for the batteries to be connected all the time. The on-board charger will only charge the batteries when they discharge a little. It's not like their charging all the time. I leave mine on all the time and have never had an issue with doing that...Thumbs Up

[rnvinc]

Yes, that is considered a smart charger. It operates in 3 stages and can be left plugged in until you are ready to go fishing again. Don't forget to unplug it when you go and don't ask how I know that.

I have the power cords to my on board chargers attached to the top of my transom with very little play....

I also have my extension cords hanging down from (and attached to) the ceiling directly above my transom...with very little play....

This setup unplugs my chargers automatically when I pull the boat out of the garage....

Rickie

[skeetbum]

I've heard that they should be unplugged during a lightning storm to prevent them getting zapped. I do that with mine, and leave em plugged other than that.

[luvin.fishin]

You REALLY wanna know 'bout deep cycle batteries? Then look here. This fact sheet recommends keeping them on trickle charge.

Deep Cycle Battery FAQ

[BarryG]

My book said to leave it plugged in when not using the boat!