Charging Batteries And Cut Off Switch

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my boat has a 2 bank charger, plugged to the trolling motor batteries... i plug it when i get home and unplug it before leaving, it stays plugged all the time. is this correct?? 

 

and for the starter battery, i have to use a regular portable charger. i read somewhere that you have to disconnect the battery to avoid damage to the motor, so thats what i do, i disconnect psitive and negative and the put the charger. this one i put in slow mode (2 amps), and again, i leave it hooked always until its time to go fishing again... 

 

i can get this switch locally, will it work instead of disconnecting the battery?? its automotive, but i dont know the difference with the marine switches. i would get one but its difficult for me as i live in Mexico. 

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-battery-cutoff-switch-66789.html

 

thank you. 

[Way2slow]

Connecting and disconnecting a battery charger or jumper cables to the cranking battery can create a spark with a couple hundred volts EMF potential and yes, it can damage an ECM or Rec/Reg.  You may do it 100 times with no problems, but after 101, you wonder why your motor won't start, or why the reg/rec no longer charging the battery or tac is no longer working.

 

That switch should work just fine for a battery disconnect.  You only have to disconnect one cable, not both like you are doing. 

[gulfcaptain]

Yes you can use a battery switch/selector.  We use them on all our batteries on the boats I run.  This way if we need to swap battery banks or isolate one of them we can without any issues.

[tracker01]

I have a similar switch in my boat, The peace of mind it gives me is well worth the installation. Some will say they never disconnect their batteries and some will say they always do. Install it and your covered.

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thanx!! i will install it then and use it to charge the battery, better safe than sorry....