When disconnecting batteries for winter

[opticianjw]

After you disconnect the batteries and you hook up to shore power should all the electric work including the lights. All I have working is the outlets and no lights, is that normal?

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Yes, all of your lighting is 12 volt DC from your batteries.

 

[capecodcruiser]

no, you should have 110v lighting on your boat somewhere. The lights on those older boats sometimes had 2 separate switches, one for 12v and the other for 110. Look around and I bet you will find it

 

[Alex F]

Even though yours is 89 I would still think that you should have 110v lights. If they're present and haven't been used for a long time just check the bulbs as they could be out.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Huh,
Ok, i guess you may have lights with two bulbs in the fixture, one for AC and one for DC power.
Never had that myself...sorry if i mis-led ya.
Good luck.

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

No, all lights are 12v. You need the batteries for that power.

Unless you have your batteries on a float charger outside the boat, no reason to pull them out...

Read this, especially "How do I prevent permanent sulfation" first paragraph...

http://www.flyingbeet.com/electricg/batteries.html

 

[SCORPIO]

The '89 has 12v only lights, NO 110 lights. You need the batteries for the interior lights to work.

 

[Skuza]

No you should not have lights. The cabin lights are most likely 12V and will still pull off of the batteries. When you remove the cables from the battery you no longer have any power. The shore power should only keep the batteries charged while the lights draw from them. I don't believe the charger would actually power the lights itself. Or would it?? Do the connected batteries complete some kind of circuit?
Now I'm wondering!

 

[RollerCoastr]

Or would it?? Do the connected batteries complete some kind of circuit?
Now I'm wondering!

I have mistakenly powered-on the converter while the batteries were disconnected. The 12v systems all worked, but the converter complained with a loud buzzing sound, as did the speakers. (that's what tipped me off to a missing item on my checklist) lol

 

[JimG]

I don't believe the charger would actually power the lights itself. Or would it?? Yes... sort of... The charger might power the some of the 12V lights but I would not recommend it. Do the connected batteries complete some kind of circuit? Yes, all of the red leads get connected together on the battery post(s).
Now I'm wondering!

To the OP: If you're on shore power, why disconnect the batteries? If you are taking them out to store in a warmer place, then I understand.

 

[Greg]

I would be careful disconnecting the batteries and leaving the battery charger on.

First, make sure the now loose battery terminals don't touch.

Second, (and most importantly) the batteries act as sort of a big capacitor to the battery charger. Chargers are not typically designed to be 12 volt power supplies. Your 12 volt system could be very noisy and potentially damage sensitive electronics.

 

[lee@simmtechs.com]

After you disconnect the batteries and you hook up to shore power should all the electric work including the lights. All I have working is the outlets and no lights, is that normal?

On my 1980 SB 270 no lights with out batteries. just outlets