Carolina Boy Posted April 12, 2013 Posted April 12, 2013 Do you guys open the compartment lid when charging the Trolling motor batterys, with the onboard charger over night? Gust wondering if the gasses released from the batterys cause problems. I know this gas is explosive. Just would like to know what others are doing. Quote
kylek Posted April 12, 2013 Posted April 12, 2013 On my father in law's boat once it is plugged in the compartment gets shut. Haven't had any issues with anything. Quote
Super User MarkH024 Posted April 12, 2013 Super User Posted April 12, 2013 I shut mine while charging as well. Never really thought twice of it but would be interested to hear if there are any horror stories about that. Quote
BobP Posted April 12, 2013 Posted April 12, 2013 I leave mine open. Why not? Better safe than sorry. 2 Quote
Super User J Francho Posted April 12, 2013 Super User Posted April 12, 2013 Mine is usually cracked open. 1 Quote
greyleg33 Posted April 12, 2013 Posted April 12, 2013 It doesn't really matter. The gas will explode if thick enough and there's a spark to ignite it. Quote
Downeaster2010 Posted April 13, 2013 Posted April 13, 2013 I like many of you have an expensive boat. When charging I like to crack the battery compartment. Battery gasses depending on what type of battery you have cause dangerous fumes. One ignition of any kind and no more boat. If they can disperse through an open hatch, good enough. I crack mine about 1 inch. Quote
Super User South FLA Posted April 13, 2013 Super User Posted April 13, 2013 You should always leave open, you never know when a charger goes bad, a battery goes bad, etc. and when it does and you leave it in a enclosed compartment things can go BOOM! Quote
Traveler2586 Posted April 13, 2013 Posted April 13, 2013 Bass boats don't have a very good ventilation system, I believe it's referred to as a passive system, which means the boat has to be moving to get any ventilation into the bilge. So, both battery vapors and fuel vapors will remain in the bilge area while the boats at home. That's just asking for trouble if there is a loose electrical connection somewhere that could spark when the circuit is used. The Coast Guard had some good videos on what happens when you don't ventilate your boat; it's a subject they cover in their boating safety classes. Ask someone with a big boat and I think they will tell you it's S.O.P. to turn on the vent fans as soon as you step on the boat, then you make ready to get underway. I have a set of 2 X 4 blocks that I use to prop open all of my lockers when I return from a day on the water; they help to ventilate moisture and fumes; I don't plug in the charger until the locker is open. Question for those of you that use a boat cover; have you ever smelled fuel when you start to remove you cover? Yes???? IMHO, if you don't ventilate, your pushing your luck. Quote
Super User slonezp Posted April 13, 2013 Super User Posted April 13, 2013 On the old boat I did. On my new boat the TM batteries are located on the bow in the rod storage compartment. So the answer is no Quote
Traveler2586 Posted April 13, 2013 Posted April 13, 2013 On the old boat I did. On my new boat the TM batteries are located on the bow in the rod storage compartment. So the answer is no Are you kidding?? Batteries forward, and in the rod locker?? Can the battery fumes get to your rods & reels? Quote
Super User slonezp Posted April 13, 2013 Super User Posted April 13, 2013 Are you kidding?? Batteries forward, and in the rod locker?? Can the battery fumes get to your rods & reels? The starting battery is at the stern and 2 of the TM batteries are at the bow in their own compartment which is accessed thru the rod locker. The 3 bank charger is located in the rod locker at the bottom and is in the open. There is a 4th battery tray in the starboard bow storage in the open. My flare kit fits in their nicely I'm guessing Lund designed it this way partly because of rough water handling. The 28gal live well sits directly in front of the consoles, with a smaller livewell at the stern. The boat is a deep v up front and a modified v aft. I was riding on 2-21/2 footers during the break in like it was nothing.Tomorrow will be the first day out after break in. blowing 10-15 in the morning with gusts at 30 by late morning/afternoon. I'll be able to put her through her paces. Quote
Traveler2586 Posted April 13, 2013 Posted April 13, 2013 Let us know how you do, and stay safe. How the recovery going?? Quote
Super User slonezp Posted April 13, 2013 Super User Posted April 13, 2013 Let us know how you do, and stay safe. How the recovery going?? Pending approval from workmen's comp I'm getting epideral shots in my neck on the 25th. Supposed to reduce the inflammation and hopefully the discs will go back where they belong. Quote
scrutch Posted April 15, 2013 Posted April 15, 2013 Mine are always open while charging. I keep my boat in my garage attached to my house. I take no chances. I lose way more than a boat if I get an explosion and fire! Quote
Optima_Jim Posted April 16, 2013 Posted April 16, 2013 You should always leave open, you never know when a charger goes bad, a battery goes bad, etc. and when it does and you leave it in a enclosed compartment things can go BOOM! This is absolulely correct! All lead-acid batteries can vent gas that is both flammable and toxic in extreme situations, even "sealed" batteries. Unless someone is using Lithium batteries, everyone here is probably using some form of lead-acid battery, so play it safe and keep them properly-ventilated to the atmosphere. Jim McIlvaine eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc. www.pinterest.com/optimabatteries 1 Quote
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