Onboard battery chargers

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04-08-2015, 06:59 PM
Tracker123

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.
04-08-2015, 07:05 PM
prefers shiners

U R welcome......I have never had a problem with my onboard charger by unplugging it after the batteries were charged up.....
04-08-2015, 07:06 PM
Mac Daddy

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.
04-08-2015, 07:14 PM
"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.
04-08-2015, 07:31 PM
Tracker123

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.
04-08-2015, 08:27 PM
"G"

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.
04-09-2015, 11:16 AM
Fish on Line

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.
04-11-2015, 09:23 PM
bflowers

Quote:

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.

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.
04-12-2015, 04:09 PM
jig rig

I charge mine overnight and unplug. But I do try to fish twice a week year round. :)
04-12-2015, 05:10 PM
Tracker123

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.
04-12-2015, 07:30 PM
Charliee

I bought a two bank charger at Bass Pro a couple of years ago. I keep it plugged in all the time.It does a very good job of keeping my boat ready to go. I even plug it in at the dock if I am keeping the boat in the water overnight. So far I am pleased with what it does.
04-12-2015, 09:21 PM
crappiecatcher06

I keep mine plugged up I got it from Cabelas it works great. I wanted the MinnKota but it would not fit in the space I have but it is twice the weight of mine so I figure its made better.
04-13-2015, 10:09 AM
fishervet

plugged in all the time....it must be ready when I am...it can burn the house as long as no one is home...don't care bout the house...just family and fishing......the charger should stop charging when the batteries are charged...keeps it safer....is anything REALLY safe?????things that are bad are going to happen if it was meant to be......IMHO.....
04-13-2015, 10:16 AM
icefishingfool

I like to always check on the batteries after they have been charging for a couple hours.
04-13-2015, 10:17 AM
icefishingfool

Do I have to have a number of posts before being about to use the new thread button ?
04-13-2015, 10:23 AM
fishervet

Quote:

Originally Posted by icefishingfool

Do I have to have a number of posts before being about to use the new thread button ?

nah!!!!!welcome to the site....post away...what part o Colorado?......
04-13-2015, 10:34 AM
icefishingfool

Metro Denver, close to Walleye heaven Chatfield reservoir. See the yellow bar with "Thread" on it but goes nowhere ?
04-13-2015, 10:38 AM
icefishingfool

LOL, see I'm a "Guppy" and Colorado is not even on the list of States. Was going to start a "Thread" but not finding where to look. Colorado sucks for Crappie fishing or did you guys not know that ?
04-13-2015, 10:56 AM
prefers shiners

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by icefishingfool

LOL, see I'm a "Guppy" and Colorado is not even on the list of States. Was going to start a "Thread" but not finding where to look. Colorado sucks for Crappie fishing or did you guys not know that ?

To start a new thread click on this button.......welcome to CDC....Colorado is my wife and I favorite vacation destination.....drove out there last September for 11 days which is the best month for us....Estes Park to Ourey is beautiful......didn't know about crappie in Colorado but I know they have them in most states even in California.....

Attachment 199225
04-13-2015, 11:06 AM
prefers shiners

Quote:

Originally Posted by icefishingfool

LOL, see I'm a "Guppy" and Colorado is not even on the list of States. Was going to start a "Thread" but not finding where to look. Colorado sucks for Crappie fishing or did you guys not know that ?

Standby.....I solicited some other help for you in case my other comments did not help....
04-13-2015, 11:21 AM
icefishingfool

ok looks like I have to go into a state first, will try back tracking some. Pretty much trout in the high country, warm water species don't fair to well, but do have some. Don't think I see Kansas listed either ?
04-13-2015, 11:29 AM
fishervet

sorry ice....seems like you and your neighboring states are not present with crappie...guess you'll just have to come to a gathering to get your fix....we like info on your walleye and welcome to the La. forum anytime.....
04-13-2015, 11:43 AM
icefishingfool

Well I found Kansas, but still no "New Thread" button, Maybe now you will know why I call my computer "FRED" = freaking, ridiculous, electronic, devise. Maybe I have to reboot, and sign back in. That would be fun for me. Make it down to LA sometime before my reel runs out of line. I hate catching trout, I call them the dumbest fish there is. Will hit a hook with string or feathers time on it. Heck have even see them swallow pine needles floating by.
04-13-2015, 12:14 PM
icefishingfool

Maybe I should change the sign in to "Biggest Dummy" looks like the "Thread Starter" on the yellow band refers to go back to original post. Didn't think I would have that much trouble navigating this sight. Sorry for messing this one up with my being stupid. Its because I haven't had my morning coffee yet.....That's my story and I'm sticking too it.
04-13-2015, 12:38 PM
prefers shiners

Quote:

Originally Posted by icefishingfool

Maybe I should change the sign in to "Biggest Dummy" looks like the "Thread Starter" on the yellow band refers to go back to original post. Didn't think I would have that much trouble navigating this sight. Sorry for messing this one up with my being stupid. Its because I haven't had my morning coffee yet.....That's my story and I'm sticking too it.

IFF....go back to the Louisiana Home Page.....I started you a new thread on Colorado....

http://www.crappie.com/crappie/louis...cefishingfool/

lets let this thread get back on the main topic....nice chatting with you......you are welcome here anytime.....
04-13-2015, 08:05 PM
Tracker123

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishervet

......the charger should stop charging when the batteries are charged...keeps it safer....is anything REALLY safe?????things that are bad are going to happen if it was meant to be......IMHO.....

Should and will are two different actions Tal. After my experience, if the will doesn't exist in such components, not going to take the chance on the should. I admit, I do go to extremes to reduce the odds of bad things happening. If it was meant to be, then at least I know I did the best I could of preventing it. Can't help myself.