Good battery monitoring system?

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 8:13 am

quote:Originally posted by h2ojst You diesel guys shouldn't have to worry about this at all. You lost me at Mercruiser.

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:09 am

How do you keep the batteries charged if you can't run a charger? Most boats spend a lot more time at the dock rather than running. Buzz

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 10:00 am

Alternators when the engine is running and charger when they're not, just not simultaneously. It's not necessary to run your charger when the engines are running. Each engine is pumping out 90 amps! Hey Doug, lost at Mercruiser huh. Diesel snob! Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 11:34 am

My problem I forget to cut the charger off. Buzz

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 11:56 am

Buzz, Theoretically, you should be able to run these new chargers 24/7/365. The battery guys don't trust the charger guys and are quick to blame chargers for cooking batteries to death. So we have to find our own comfort zone in all of that. Personally, I think leaving the new chargers on continuously is just fine. You might degrade your battery(ies) a little quicker with the charger constantly on, but I think you could measure that in less than a year. I only leave mine off when I know my batteries are fully charged. But they advertise the 4th stage of the charger as being "OFF". As in no charge current at all. So that says it's equivalent to shutting them off. Joe, who's alarm is that ? Sounds handy....talk about piece of mind. Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:22 pm

This string has given me something new to worry about! Now I will try to remember to shut off my charger before I run the engines at the slip, but I know I will forget most of the time. As if I didn't have enough to worry about these days! Thanks guys!

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:26 pm

I'm probably jinking myself, but in the 9 seasons I've been running this boat, I have never shut the battery charger off when running. That includes when I'm running my gennie while underway. I've never had an issue and I'm using an original type raritan charger (though I don't believe its the original). I think you guys are over thinking this.

Buy2ls · Post by **Buy2ls** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:31 pm

Ditto!! quote:Originally posted by dougl33 I'm probably jinking myself, but in the 9 seasons I've been running this boat, I have never shut the battery charger off when running. That includes when I'm running my gennie while underway. I've never had an issue and I'm using an original type raritan charger (though I don't believe its the original). I think you guys are over thinking this. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Cummins 6BTA's Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 1:20 pm

You're probably right Doug. But those of us without a genny have to squeeze every electron out of our batteries. We all manage them differently and it's nice to share the stories. Especially if Buzz is buying something because I'm helping out. Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 2:59 pm

Doug, I also have a Raritan and leave it on all the time even when I'm running my engines and generator. Also without issue. I think it's time for a new charger and I want to make sure I can use it the same way without issue. The reason I'm asking all these questions is because my dad had a 31 Bertram and if you started the engines with the charger on it ruined the alternators. But that was 40 years ago and things hae changed. I appreciate everyones help. Buzz

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 6:05 pm

If you have your manuals for Raritan, you can call the number in the manual and ask those guys the same questions. They are very eager to share info on their products.

Sean B · Post by **Sean B** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 6:56 pm

I too leave my Raritan on all the time, including when running with the genny on. Never had a problem. I always assumed that when the engine alternators came alive the battery charger detects the higher voltage and shuts itself off. My Raritan is original and every boat expert type guy has told me that those old Raritan chargers are an excellent piece of equipment. I take care of it because I don't trust the new chinese garbage that they make everything out of anymore. I just had a 6 month old Jabsco holding tank pump fail because they didn't use stainless screws to hold it together. Did a quick search and read about 10 other guys' stories having the same problem. Half the sh!t they manufacture these days indeed is sh!t. OKay end of rant

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 7:59 pm

I feel exactly the way you do Sean.Except it's more like 90%

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 3:14 am

Well you guys are right about that. When I took my Raritan out of the boat, it was a one rusty, beat up piece equipment. But it still worked and the only reason I replaced it was so that I could charge AGM's. The new one doesn't look like it'll last much longer than 10 years. Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 7:12 am

I called Raritan last year about my new AGM and charging my batteries 24/7. They said it is not a problem with my Raritan.