Chargers

[Guest]

Have just aquired 3 x 45amp gel type leasure batteries for my Hurley 22 with Mariner 8 o/b. I also have a small solar trickle charger meant to keep unused batteries topped up. My question is :- will the o/b charger do any damage or will I have to invest in a new charger and lug them home every time they`re discharged.

 

[andyball]

Eventually, the o/b charger will overcharge them. If they're flat, that might take days of running the engine, but if fully charged, it'll happen almost right away.

Most small o/b charging systems are unregulated.

To give an idea.....an 8hp yamaha I used to own would take a 130AH bank to over 15V very easily if they were well charged to begin with : (not good for gel type batteries), but keep the revs down, or put some lights on & it was ok.

Why not buy a cheap digital multi-meter & keep an eye on the voltage, switching on extra loads to reduce the voltage when necessary? (easier than taking them home).

 

[Guest]

Gell batteries do not like being charged above 14.1V . Unlike flooded ones , they cannot be topped up if, they get gassing due to overcharge. Often , marine chargers are regulated to higher voltage on their 'bulk charge' stage, 14.4V, or so, unless regulated specificlly for Gell.