[jchemotti]

Hi Everyone,

Well, this summer on Skaneateles Lake has been challenging for boaters. After a beautiful June and beginning of July, the last 4 weeks have been nothing but rain, thunderstorms, and more rain. I know many parts of the country need the stuff, but enough is enough . . .

Anyway, to the point: this week my girlfriends and I scheduled a boat day, and when I tried to start the boat, to my chagrin the battery was deader than a doornail. On further inspection, I found that someone had left the bilge pump switch on, and since we hadn't used the boat for over 2 weeks, I was the lucky one to find it.

Called the marina and they sent someone over to jump it, but in a later discussion with my honey he mentioned that a friend suggested that we keep a battery charger on the boat at all times. I guess there are some that you can charge up via an electrical outlet, then store on the boat until it may be needed.

This is probably a "newbie" type question, but can anyone give me some insight/suggestions ? Our battery is pretty new . . .

Thanx,
Jan

[ShabahZ280]

Originally installed in my boat when I got it was a Professional Mariner "Bat Savr". It had a 3-prong AC outlet built in on the port side of the transom, directly above the swim platform. You basically plug in an extension cord, and it charges the battery it's hooked to. I replaced it earlier this year with a Professional Mariner "Pro Mite 5/5" dual bank charger. It charges both batteries instead of just one. It works much better.

However, I also carry a portable booster box on board just in case.

[supastipa]

after all the battery problems we have had we never go to the lake without a booster box either....don't forget to turn the battery switch to off after taking the boat out. I think all older Mariahs have one of these? If not, I would get one installed.

[Z 202]

I don't have a charger, but I don't leave port without my (fully charged) booster pack.

[ShabahZ280]

My booster box is an automotive style. As long as it's got enough juice to jump the battery, shouldn't be an issue at all!

This is the one I have, got it for Xmas about 5yrs ago. It's come in handy both in the car, and on the water! The built-in AC inverter is handy too! http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/61/p/1/pt/29/product.asp

[milemarker60]

I installed a Xantrex TrueCharge 20 on my Z302 and couldn't be happier. It can charge multiple banks and has a built in tender (not trickle charger) so it can be left plugged in all the time without concern of over charging. I've gotten into the habbit of plugging it in on the dock after every weekend when I head back from the lake (stored on lift at my dock).

http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/69/p/1/pt/7/product.asp

I previously had Battery Tenders on both banks which were designed to be left plugged in at all times as well which worked great for long term storage as they put out a max of .8 amps but would not "charge" a dead battery.

[WetWilly]

Hi jchemotti,

A possible solution to keeping your battery topped off while it's moored on the lake is to use a solar charger and most marine and automotive stores carry them.

I used to use one on my old Sea Ray and I still use one for my motorcycle.

WetWilly.