Flat battery in tinnie

[blufish]

Hi All

Was going to fish today but haven't used the tinnie for a while and of course a flat battery. Measuring 9 volts but won't start the motor. What's the best way to charge it properly?

Can I just use a charger from Superch*ap ?

Thanks . Brad

[astro66]

yeah charge it up and see how it goes...its not good letting them get really low ....
i had a cheepy charger and always wondered why the voltage was lowish then i got a ctech and now it charges to full power ....buy a decent one...

[johncar]

So long as you have just a regular lead acid battery your basic charger should handle it. If start up current is too high I have sometimes just jumpered up a second charged battery in paralell to the flat one for a few minutes with the charger as well and when the initial current drops enough remove the second battery.
Hopefully you won't need to do that.

[blufish]

Thanks. I ended up getting a new battery . Had the other one tested and its capacity had halved. What would be a regular charging programme if you don't use the boat much. I know very little about electronics.

Cheers

[Luc]

If not going fishing, I ran the outboard for 30 minutes or so at least once a week.

Rather than rely on outboard muffs for water, I used one of those 200 liters blue plastic drums.

otherwise, get yourself a trickle charger that you can leave on. Some good solar ones around if you're not keen on using mains power.

[johncar]

Ok good, a new battery is wise if the old one is dodgy.
If you hook up a trickle system you just need to keep an eye one the electrolyte level as it will probably go down a lot quicker than without the charger connected.
The best way is to try and use the boat of course.
I don't trickle charge although I own a suitable charger. I just prefer to put my regular charger on the batteries for 24 hrs if I haven't used the boat for a couple of months. I think it is better for the batteries but not positive about that.
Now you have a new battery it is good to isolate it totally when the boat is stored either by disconnecting it or easier if you have an isolating switch installed.

[Bros]

You haven't said what type of battery you replaces it with as AGM batteries only need charging every 6 months wet cells every month.

[Moonlighter]

Blufish

If you get a automatic multi-stage charger they are better. Cost more for a good one.

They can be left on for several days or more and will automatically turn off and on when required. Long battery life is dependent on keeping them charged!

I have a CTEK one that i got on special from Repco. If you do get a good quality one it should last you many years and pay for itself by keeping your battery in good condition.

[Triple]

+1 on a ctek or similar smart charger with auto function. (Ctek quick connections are handy) Put it on and leave it on if you don't use the boat for months or just do a charge cycle every few weeks in between trips. As stated keep a closer eye on fluid level than usual.

[blufish]

Thanks for the info.

I got a 620 cca 120 rc Century Ultra high performance battery. Am looking at the Ctek MXS 5. around $100.00 Probably just leave it connected constantly

brad