Battery Removal?

[KnoxWill]

I

If it's dropping down to 12.4V in a relatively short time with little use, the battery is just about gone. Or, the charger isn't really doing it's job. It should be charging at a higher rate than 12.8 - that's what a new battery's resting V will be.

If it's a good/smart charger, it's fine to leave it on. But if it's not rated for use in the bilge (ignition protected), just the wires in and leave it in the cockpit. BUT... I wouldn't use alligator clips - it's safer to make a permanent connection.

I put a charger on it last week. Checked it yesterday. It is at 13.6v with charger on. I agree the battery is almost gone. The second battery is not able to be charged and sitting at home. When I bought the boat in August, the previous owner said they were original batteries, 2014 era. I see two new batteries coming in the spring. Any recommendations for dual purpose batteries? The current batteries are Interstates.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I



I put a charger on it last week. Checked it yesterday. It is at 13.6v with charger on. I agree the battery is almost gone. The second battery is not able to be charged and sitting at home. When I bought the boat in August, the previous owner said they were original batteries, 2014 era. I see two new batteries coming in the spring. Any recommendations for dual purpose batteries? The current batteries are Interstates.

With the charger "on", though, it doesn't really tell us anything. The resting voltage is the key. Resting V is NOT, however, the voltage that is read immediately after disconnecting the charging. It needs to "rest" for some time - or use some 12V things for a short time, first.

All that said... 6 years means they led a full, happy life. Case closed! Other than keeping the one in the boat on charge so you feel better about the bilge pump... yes, don't bother with any further testing. Just plan on getting two new batteries.

In my opinion, either get Interstate or Deka. Nothing else. BUT... Deka, for example, also brands their batteries under the Duracell name. If you have easy access to Interstates, just get them again.

Side note... fully charging a battery and then load testing is the BEST way to check the health. Autozone, etc, do this for free.

 

[KnoxWill]

With the charger "on", though, it doesn't really tell us anything. The resting voltage is the key. Resting V is NOT, however, the voltage that is read immediately after disconnecting the charging. It needs to "rest" for some time - or use some 12V things for a short time, first.

All that said... 6 years means they led a full, happy life. Case closed! Other than keeping the one in the boat on charge so you feel better about the bilge pump... yes, don't bother with any further testing. Just plan on getting two new batteries.

In my opinion, either get Interstate or Deka. Nothing else. BUT... Deka, for example, also brands their batteries under the Duracell name. If you have easy access to Interstates, just get them again.

Side note... fully charging a battery and then load testing is the BEST way to check the health. Autozone, etc, do this for free.

Thanks again. Autozone did test the other one, it did not pass. Saving for core charge.