Onboard battery chargers

I never keep mine plugged in all the time after some of you fellas recommended that I shouldn't when I inquired here on this forum about a year and a half ago (thanks Bruce, et al). Even when it's on a GFCI circuit. I was concerned about the one on my new boat at the time.

My 72 volt Cushman cart has one similar built in. This American made cart is not a cheap unit, believe me. Not long ago, plugged it in to charge up. Checked on it a few hours later, glad I did. The batteries were boiling - hot and stinking sulfur fumes unbelievable. An accident waiting to happen if I didn't check on it. Took the cart in (under warranty), Cushman folks got involved. Onboard chargers have a sensor, or two, that monitor the state of charge. The sensor(s) failed. No such thing as a 100% fool proof system. Guess what would have happened if I didn't check on it.

As some of you guys told me, if it's not absolutely necessary, don't do it. Just food for thought, and something to think about.

U R welcome......I have never had a problem with my onboard charger by unplugging it after the batteries were charged up.....

I always leave mine hooked up, but I think you're right on that. In the past I've had batteries that haven't had a charger on them in 2 or 3 months and when I checked them they would show a 100% charged. I guess if they are good batteries that should be the case and it's not necessary to leave them on constantly. I would assume also that even a very small charge constantly would possibly cause it to evaporate water faster too. Thanks for the info.

I have owned several....have been leaving them plugged up for over 30 years now. What I am useing now is the best one I have ever had....MinnKota 330D.....very good charger does not boil the water out like some....It gets plugged in when I come in from fishing....never gets unplugged untill I go again...no problems.....all three batterys in my boat are 5 years old now and still going strong.

Could very well be the case G. Internal electronic components are made elsewhere, regardless of the final product manufacturer. If there is a 0.001% chance of a small component failing to catastrophic consequences, not going to take the chance if I have a choice. Just me.

Your right Randy.....everybody should just do what they feel comfortable with. There is a world of difference between different chargers and there are lots of good ones....some better than others like everything else.

My charger is a 2'x4' solar collector. It will go anywhere there is no power. it is always putting power back in the batteries and extending trolling motor time. I have had to use it on a tractor, Lawn Mower, and Electric fence to keep critters out of the Garden.

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Originally Posted by "G"

I have owned several....have been leaving them plugged up for over 30 years now. What I am useing now is the best one I have ever had....MinnKota 330D.....very good charger does not boil the water out like some....It gets plugged in when I come in from fishing....never gets unplugged untill I go again...no problems.....all three batterys in my boat are 5 years old now and still going strong.

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I have the MinnKota 4 bank in my boat, the dealer told me to keep it plugged up when not using especially in the winter, my batteries are 3 years old now and still going strong, I am doing just like G.

I charge mine overnight and unplug. But I do try to fish twice a week year round. :)

The individual components on a circuit board such diodes, resisters, capacitors, sensors, etc. are not made by the manufacturers who put such things together such as MinnKota. Maybe it's just me, best to be safe than sorry.