Battery - Charger Recommendations

[rpm911]

Right auto correct got me. I'm asking specifically about SOLAR CHARGERS, because my boat is stored at a location without electricity. So I'll just get a second charger. Thanks.

 

[lazergeek]

Right auto correct got me. I'm asking specifically about SOLAR CHARGERS, because my boat is stored at a location without electricity. So I'll just get a second charger. Thanks.

I did a solar charger on my boat and has worked well for the last few years with just a cheap solar charge controller and relying on the DVSR to charge both batteries. Here is the thread, https://jetboaters.net/threads/210-fsh-sport-solar-charger.34088/

I just updated the charge controller to a dual bank because I got a Lifepo4 house battery and used relays to control the dvsr based on the ignition being on or off.

 

[Rehn]

Is there a preference between the Pro Mariner and the Noco? Also, is the DVSR mod still needed on the 2024 models? If I just hook it up and go, what will I miss out on doing that Mod?

 

[Ed255fsh]

If you’re storing for 3 months and can’t leave it in your driveway overnight, I’d take the batteries out and leave them plugged into a trickle charger the whole time.

I use the ProMariner ProSport 12 A 2 bank charger which charges both batteries at the same time. Been doing this every winter forever. My boat is a 2017 and the batteries are still original and working fine.

I also have a pro mariner. Works great.

 

[ahenderson432]

From many other posts. I do not believe your question of being a 2024 applies or is related to the boat itself but how the DVSR operates. It is a matter of the operation during engine/s running. The MOD is from BEP and not Yamaha. I did the MOD on my 2024 if that makes you feel better.

Thread 'Making DVSR Active with Engines On Only'

Jun 13, 2016

I want to have the DVSR only come on with the engines, to allow my dual bank charger to work as intended. I know you cut the red wire on the back of the switch cluster, and feed the one side from a switched power supply, but my question is for the 2016 e-series, does anyone know which wire will do the trick?

On the previous models, it was a specific wire for power to port or starboard YDIS that could be found behind the circular port in the engine bay, but mine has no such port, so I'm assuming the wires may be different as well.

Any help appreciate!

thanks,
Derek

• Derek Fosbury
• Replies: 88
• Forum: Electronics-Stereo/GPS/Chartplotter/Electrical etc

For the BEP DVSRs there is a built in circuit for "storage mode".

 

[BumbleBee255]

Sorry to revive an old post, but I'm confused about charging while not in the water. I can, or can't, just simply turn the batts off and connect via alligator clips a battery tender??

 

[Gap22]

My (2022 AR190)boat has been in the yard with the battery switched off since the end of October. Gave her a cleanup yesterday. Switched the battery on and she cranked on the first try. Ran great. I have a Microstart for emergencies. I have only used it to help out others on the water.

 

[biffdotorg]

Sorry to revive an old post, but I'm confused about charging while not in the water. I can, or can't, just simply turn the batts off and connect via alligator clips a battery tender??

that’s exactly what you do with on onboard charger as well. Shut the switches off and plug it in. Aligator clip charger is the same, just minus the convenience of leaving it connected.

on that note, do not use the term “tender” ever again. that’s usually used to maintain a charged battery. 1-2a of charging. to properly charge a run down house battery you want 5-10a. if you are just leaving it on during storage to maintain, don’t bother. charge it properly before storage and let ‘er set. My twin group 27’s sit all winter with a. Full charge in my boat and lasted 5 seasons easily.

 

[BumbleBee255]

that’s exactly what you do with on onboard charger as well. Shut the switches off and plug it in. Aligator clip charger is the same, just minus the convenience of leaving it connected.

on that note, do not use the term “tender” ever again. that’s usually used to maintain a charged battery. 1-2a of charging. to properly charge a run down house battery you want 5-10a. if you are just leaving it on during storage to maintain, don’t bother. charge it properly before storage and let ‘er set. My twin group 27’s sit all winter with a. Full charge in my boat and lasted 5 seasons easily.

Thanks for the info! I guess I was thinking more about preventing a run down battery by keeping them "topped off" while not in the water. If you are correct about a proper charge, then solar panel chargers would also be undesired?

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Thanks for the info! I guess I was thinking more about preventing a run down battery by keeping them "topped off" while not in the water. If you are correct about a proper charge, then solar panel chargers would also be undesired?

If you have access to 120VAC near your boat, put in an onboard charger, these are more commonly referred to as smart chargers and in addition to properly charging your batteries will maintain them in a storage mode and if the batteries’ state of charge level drops too low will automatically charge them back up. Install the NOCO AC port adapter and it is super simple to keep your batteries properly charged. The biggest enemy of lead acid batteries is being left in a state of partial discharge, this causes the plates to sulphate and the electrolyte to stratify.

Flooded Lead acid batteries require 10-13% of their Ah rating in charge amps to charge properly, this incudes cleaning the plates and thoroughly mixing the electrolyte. For example a 100Ah battery needs a charger of 10A per battery per bank minimum. Maintaining a FLA battery properly will get you the best performance and greatest amount of life cycles out of these batteries. Maintenance includes, keeping the battery clean, maintaining proper electrolyte levels-1/8th of an inch over the tops of the plates, checking the specific gravity of each cell, and performing equalization charge on them. All of the popular smart chargers will have a both a automatic equalization charge as well a manual one. You would also be well served to disconnect the dvsr ground while charging to allow each battery to charge independently, there are also mods that your OEM battery switch has that will allow the DVSR to be turned off when you turn off the battery switch.

There are several members here who have installed solar chargers on their boats, @lazergeek and @Judge come to mind. Do a search and check out what they did.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Here’s an easy way to calculate charge time for a lead acid battery.



So if you’ve got a 100Ah FLA / AGM battery at a 50% SOC with a 10A per battery charger you’re looking at a recharge time of up to 11 hours. Three hours at bulk and up to eight hours at absorption.

Here’s a great resource for battery maintenance;

Trojan Battery | Battery Maintenance

The key to achieving optimum performance and long battery life is to follow a regular care and maintenance program. Read our tips for high performance battery maintenance.

www.trojanbattery.com

If you properly charge a deep cycle lead acid batter you will get the best life and performance out of it, checking specific gravity (hydrometer test) and performing an equalization charge will keep your battery at peak performance.

 

[Ribs77]

My boat is plugged into a NOCO tender, but I can't remember if I set the switch to "off" the last time I was in there. I think I probably didn't, because I was listening to the stereo. (I did turn the stereo off.) Is that a problem?

The boat is 180 miles away so it will be a little while before I can go check

 

[tdonoughue]

Not optimal, but far, far from tragic. Especially with the tender on there. I would not worry about it.

180 miles?!? geez....

 

[Ribs77]

Not optimal, but far, far from tragic. Especially with the tender on there. I would not worry about it.

180 miles?!? geez....

Yeah, I have free, covered storage all winter. It's just...180 miles away Worth the trade-off for me.