another newbie question

[tryn2lrn]

Hello all, about to pick up my first new boat an SX170...I know, I know, should have bought the 180 but hey it's going to be like a new Escalade to me!! Considering I bought my first boat 6 months ago and the new one is the third boat I will have had already, I figured the 170 should do me for a few years. Anyway I bought an on board charger and was concerned about the vapor that escapes while charging the lead acid batteries on board. Will this start attacking the fiberglass, carpet, bilge lid and cables etc. Or with a good charger will the amount of gassing be so minimal that it's not really an issue. Thanks for the advice. I'll be needing lots of it.

[frogbite]

All you need to do, and it is probably always a good idea for anyone with any bassboat, is leave the hatch open where the batteries are. This will allow the gas exit the boat and evaporate quickly.

[fishin couillon]

I keep my back hatch open 24/7 with the charger plugged 24/7 and don't have any problems. All is fine and everything is in tach.

[kevinLL]

I left mine plugged in all the time(like fishin couillon does) and just this week I found my batteries dry and dead. I am unsure if the charger did not shutoff or what could cause this???? I have a 2 bank onboard "Quest" charger.
Anyone have any ideas?? this may help tryn2lrn. also.

Laine

[maxthedog]

I leave my hatch open and on-board charger plugged into a pig tail(circut breaker)...to double up on the prevention of a fire. I bought a timer and plugged it all together. I program it to run a couple of hours, when I put my baby up(after wiping down with BBS :), then it is programmed to run my onboard charger a couple of hours before I get there every Saturday. Batts stay charged, no over charging, no mess.

If you keep you new pride and joy covered with BBS, no worries Mate!


Wall plug-Timer-Pig tail-Onboard charger
bada bing!

[maxthedog]

OBTW, tryn that's not a newbie question, that a legit question, damn your new boat has already made you a seasoned pro:)

Your gonna love your new Skeeter. SWEET!

[kevinLL]

I like the timer idea. Thats what so good about this site, good information!

[maxthedog]

The timer I have is the one where you put the little post in it to set the time range. I tried the digital ones, but when the power goes out in my boat stall(in the country,,,ie often!), it does not work.

You get several post with the timer and you can have different times for different days if you need to.

I think I got it at Walmart Kevin. Works Great!

Glad to help.

[tryn2lrn]

Thanks for the info! Hatch open and I like the timer idea as well. Can someone tell me what BBS is though?? Thanks I will post a picture or when I get her. Trying to push it off until 3/8 since the weathe ris so crappy around here right now.

[Bass Junkie]

BBS is Bass Boat Saver. It's a spray on wipe off cleaner and wax all in one. It works great.