Battery Charging

[Guest]

As a boating novice I took delivery of my 26' River cruiser yesterday. It has an Outboard motor. It started fine and I trundled it onto its moorings. I connected it up to shore power and put the master switch to both (domestic and starter). After several hours cleaning, flushing out the water tanks etc I noticed the lights dimming and the radio sounded like an old 45 played at 33.
I had presumed that the shore power would charge the battery. I have been able to start the motor with the pull cord.
Should I conclude that the shore power does not charge the battery. Do I need a battery charger of some description. If I simply run the motor will the battery eventually charge (assuming no problems with the alternator).
Any help gratefully received

 

[NickHarley]

Silly question perhaps... but are you sure the shore power was producing power...? I've had a similar problem
before & turns out the marina power point had been 'tripped' off by someone who'd used it before me.

 

[Guest]

No fair question.

Yes it was OK, I ran an appliance on the shore power.

 

[Guest]

Hi, you should have some sort of charger, a regular car one will get you sorted but better still a proper marine one. Its more money time, (welcome to boating) the ideal solution would be some sort of battery management/charger check various websites staring with www.adverc.co.uk.

If nothing else it explains all.
Good luck

 

[Guest]

As well as the charging probs the water bag leaked last night and the bilges filled. I had also assumed that a bilge pump was standard!
You live and learn, which to be fair, is why I wanted to jump in at the deep end, and I almost achieved it last night!

Thanks for you help

 

[Guest]

Oh dear you have got problems. a bilge pump should be standard, you have either been short changed or just could be the batteries were too tired to work it. you should be able to 'get at it' have a look round under the floor boards. It should have a 'float switch' built in or laying around nearby upend it and see if it runs, but don't do it for very long, just enough to confirm its working

 

[longjohnsilver]

You should really have both a manual and electric bilge pump. Every boat that I have bought I have had to fit a float switch, so don't assume anything! For peace of mind when away from the boat I would suggest the float switch as a priority in case of unexpected leaks - they are easy to fit and only cost £15 - £20 for a decent one.
I also have always used a Gunson battery charger from Comets (again about £25 or so) which has an automatic facility so the battery cannot be over-charged and although the amperage is low it has done the job for many years.
Good luck with the new boat, I'm sure that you will enjoy it.