Where To Install My On Board Battery Charger?

[mattk22]

So, ideally I would like to put it under the steering console. But, that would require me to have to buy extension cables to get to the back of the boat and they seem to run about $25 a pair, I really didn't want to dump another $50 for cables. I have a Dual Pro charger and it says it is completely waterproof. And the instructions say there is no particular place you should or shouldn't mount it, just have to make sure the area is strong enough to hold the weight if you are mounting it vertical. I was thinking of mounting it on the rear fishing deck right in front of the motor, do you guys think that would be OK or have any other suggestions? I could do it in one of my rear hatches, but then I would have to get in the boat to plug it in and unplug it every time, and I have very little storage on my Tracker TX-17 in the stern the way it is. It is decent sized and would take up a good portion of one of my 2 small dry wells.

[NBR]

Put it as close to the batteries as you can. Each inch of wire robs charge and will increase charge time.

[Wayne P.]

Attach a board to the transom braces and attach the charger to that.

[greyleg33]

I've got a Tracker Pt 185. It would take a contortionist to change it where it's located so when mine crapped out I siliconed the new one to the top of the fuel tank.

[DON1937]

The charger on my Tracker 17.5 is installed on the stern in back of the batteries.

[slonezp]

Not familiar with the boat but you can install this http://www.basspro.com/Onboard-Charger-Inlet/product/5205/44748 in the gunnels or somewhere else. You won't have to climb in and out to plug in the charger.

[Fishing Rhino]

On 8/9/2012 at 3:17 PM, slonezp said:

Not familiar with the boat but you can install this http://www.basspro.c...duct/5205/44748 in the gunnels or somewhere else. You won't have to climb in and out to plug in the charger.

The following four lines come from the Bass Pro catalog page listed above.

• Charger inlet mounts to boat and hardware to your onboard battery charger
• Keep hatch closed while charging
• With hatch closed and locked, charger is safe from thieves
• 15-amp rating

I may be mistaken, but I don't think it's a good idea to keep the hatch closed while charging. Seem to me that the chargers I have bought come with instructions that the battery area should be well ventilated when the batteries are being charged. Nope, not mistaken. See article below.

BATTERY WARNINGS

DANGER! RISK OF BATTERY EXPLOSION FROM HYDROGEN GAS. MAY RESULT IN BLINDNESS, SERIOUS INJURY, PERMANENT DISFIGUREMENT AND SCARRING.

 

Batteries generate explosive hydrogen gas, even during normal operation. People have been injured by battery parts flying in an explosion. They can explode under normal operating conditions, such as starting your car. They can explode under abnormal conditions, such as jump starting, or if short circuited by a tool. They can explode in a parked car or sitting on a table.

To help reduce the risk of these dangers and injury, it is of the utmost importance that each time before using your charger, you read and understand this manual, and any warnings and instructions by the battery manufacturer. Follow these instructions exactly.

TO HELP REDUCE THIS RISK:

1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment
   • ALWAYS wear complete eye protection (THAT PROTECTS EYES FROM ALL ANGLES).

[*]Avoid Flames and Sparks Near Battery and Fuel

• ALWAYS keep flames, matches, lighters, cigarettes or other ignition sources away from battery.
• DO NOT put flammable material on or under charger. DO NOT use near gasoline vapors.
• Make sure charger clips make good contact by twisting or rocking them back and forth several times. The second clip connection MUST ALWAYS be made away from the battery. ALWAYS plug charger into an electrical outlet AFTER all connections have been made. See OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.
• If necessary to remove battery from vehicle to charge, ALWAYS turn off all accessories in the vehicle. Then ALWAYS remove grounded terminal (connected to car frame) from battery first.
• A tool touching both battery posts or battery post and car metal parts is a short circuit and will spark. When using metal tools on or near battery be extra cautious to reduce risk of short circuit, possibly causing a battery explosion. DO NOT drop a tool on battery.

[*]Reduce Explosive Gas (hydrogen)

• Before connecting charger, ALWAYS add water to each cell until battery acid covers plates to help purge extra gas from cells. DO NOT overfill. Battery acid expands during charge. After charging fill to level specified by battery manufacturer. For a battery without removable caps (maintenance free battery), carefully follow manufacturer's instructions on charging.
• Some sealed maintenance free batteries have a battery condition indicator. A light or bright colored dot indicates low water. Such a battery needs to be replaced, not charged or jump started.
• Charge battery with caps in place. Most U.S. batteries are made with flame arresting caps. DO NOT pry caps off sealed batteries. Place wet cloth on batteries with non-flame arresting caps.
• Be sure area around battery is well ventilated before and during charging process. NEVER charge in a closed-in or restricted area.

[*]Stay Away From Battery When Possible

• NEVER put face near battery.
• ALWAYS locate charger as far from battery as DC cables permit.
• ALWAYS keep other people away from the battery. They are not wearing safety glasses like you are.

[*]Avoid Contact With Battery Acid

• Battery posts may have acid corrosion. DO NOT get corrosion in your eyes. Avoid touching eyes while working near battery.
• ALWAYS use a battery carrier. Carrying a battery by hand may put pressure on its ends, causing acid to be forced out vent caps.
• ALWAYS have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts eyes, skin or clothing. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters eye, immediately flood eye with cold running water for at least fifteen (15) minutes and get medical help immediately.
• In very cold weather a discharged battery may freeze. NEVER charge a frozen battery. Gases may form, cracking the case, and spray out battery acid.

[*]Avoid Overcharging Batteries

• The non-automatic (manual) battery charger models can overcharge a battery if left connected for an extended period of time, resulting in loss of water and creation of hydrogen gas.

[*]Follow Other Manufacturers' Recommendations

• Before using charger, read all instructions for, and caution markings on: (1) charger, (2) battery, and (3) related product using battery. Follow their recommended rate of charge.

https://battery-chargers.com/battery-charging/qa-on-batteries-charging/

[Long Mike]

Like many others,I keep my battery charger plugged in to my Dual Pro 24/7/365. My hatches are closed and the boat cover is on. I've been doing this for at least five years and have blown my boat to pieces only five or six times. The battery manufacturers have to cover their butts with the hydrogen precaution, but I would speculate that the amount of hydrogen generated is minuscule. Incidentally, I installed the "Charger Inlet" recommend by stonezp. Works like a charm.

[slonezp]

I'm not advocating leaving the comartment lid closed. I keep mine open. I have the plug adaptor mounted where the starboard gunnel meets the transom. Easy access.

[Fishing Rhino]

I'm not advocating leaving the comartment lid closed. I keep mine open. I have the plug adaptor mounted where the starboard gunnel meets the transom. Easy access.

My previous comment was not directed at you. It was directed at the list of benefits of the external plug in provides, in particular the one I highlighted in red.

[mattk22]

i mounted it last night. i put it back in the battery/gas tank compartment infront of the transom, i just leave the lid cracked when i am charging it. seemed like the only logical spot to put it. I called the manufacturer, and they said they have not heard of any problems mounting it there.

thanks for all the info!

[slonezp]

My previous comment was not directed at you. It was directed at the list of benefits of the external plug in provides, in particular the one I highlighted in red.

Didn't take it that way.

[Fishing Rhino]

Whew! I'd hate to be on you shoot list Al. How's Peg?

[slonezp]

As usual, eating bon bons