battery charging

Rogue Wave · 23 January 2006, 18:23

reading through Lurchers account of battery flatness It got me thinking, (those that now me will realise that is unusual) I was wondering if fitting a secod towbar electrics as would provide charging for the boat batteries whilst under tow. So you arrive at the slipway with the batteries in tip top condition. I understand this won't sort out an alternator problem.

Does anybody currently (

boom boom) do this! I think it would work best with sealed batteries

DM · 23 January 2006, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

I think it would work best with sealed batteries

I see you're a trade member. That explains it.

DM

Rogue Wave · 23 January 2006, 19:13

that's Mr trade member to you

I see your point

DM · 23 January 2006, 19:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

I see your point

What point is that? I didn't have a point

DM

Rogue Wave · 23 January 2006, 19:23

Searider · 23 January 2006, 22:42

Trouble is though, the rest of the time everyone could see your double electrics on the back of the car and assume you had a caravan

Poly · 23 January 2006, 23:44

is the downside not that if you do have an alternator problem you are less likely to discover it until you try to start the engine much later in the day, when sods law says you will be in the middle of nowhere or there is a tanker charging towards you!

Neil

Nos4r2 · 24 January 2006, 00:54

Would it be too much like common sense to fit a voltmeter or ammeter so you can see if you're not charging before it becomes a problem?

A charging hookup from twin electrics would be a bloody good idea then.

Swifty · 24 January 2006, 09:01

I charge mine up from the caravan socket. Only takes 30 seconds to plug the lead in. Mind you my Searider has the socket on the back of the console so it is very easy to do.

Tim.

Poly · 24 January 2006, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Would it be too much like common sense to fit a voltmeter or ammeter so you can see if you're not charging before it becomes a problem?

Certainly seems sensible - possibly a better use of money than fitting twin electrics, and a connector on the boat, and extra cable though!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

A charging hookup from twin electrics would be a bloody good idea then.

I'm not sure I understand the benefit of charging from the car? Unless you leave the boat unused for long periods, if your alternator is doing its job it should be charging the battery when you use the engine.

Rogue Wave · 24 January 2006, 18:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

I'm not sure I understand the benefit of charging from the car? Unless you leave the boat unused for long periods, if your alternator is doing its job it should be charging the battery when you use the engine.

Don't most tow boats go unused for a long period of time?

especially in the winter

DM · 24 January 2006, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

Don't most tow boats go unused for a long period of time?

What's your point?

DM

Jimbo · 24 January 2006, 19:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmanning

What's your point?

DM

That the battery isn't going to be charged regularly by the engine, cos the engine aint on regularly enough to charge them. Thus, having the boat charged as you tow it down to the slip, is good.

Having the car charge the boat engine is all very well, but some trailered boats are kept in compounds, and aren't used very often, so that gives you the same problem.

roycruse · 24 January 2006, 20:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

Don't most tow boats go unused for a long period of time?

especially in the winter

People who leave their boats unused for long periods of time deserve flat batteries

Simon B · 25 January 2006, 09:19

So can anyone think of a practical disadvantage of fitting a charging circuit and plug onto a boat?

Other than people imediately thinking that you tow a caravan rather than an austentatious display of disposable income?

Hugh Jardon · 25 January 2006, 09:27

the only drawback is having to fit the charging circuit and suitable plugs and of course the second socket on the car if not already fitted. doing this could be quite expensive if you have to pay someone to fit it all for you, so that needs to be considered.

Luckily or not i pull a caravan as well so have the second socket on the cars and fitted all the electrics myself so has been minimal cost.

i will fit a charging circuit on the boats i think so i can take advantage of this for topping the batts, is a good idea in my view.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon B

So can anyone think of a practical disadvantage of fitting a charging circuit and plug onto a boat?

Other than people imediately thinking that you tow a caravan rather than an austentatious display of disposable income?

Pete7 · 25 January 2006, 09:43

Wouldn't having a second battery on the boat be easier.

Pete

Rogue Wave · 25 January 2006, 09:58

I'd be hypocritical if I disagreed with you Pete, as I think it's very important to have two batteries. However they may both be in need of a little top up after a lay up

roycruse · 25 January 2006, 10:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh Jardon

Luckily or not i pull a caravan as well

Your a brave man owning up to that - you are now likely to become the object of much hatred

Hugh Jardon · 25 January 2006, 10:59

quite a few of us ribbers have hardboats and caravans as well!!!!! even more reason to attract scorn and hatred!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by roycruse

Your a brave man owning up to that - you are now likely to become the object of much hatred