Battery Question

[Dan]

Just bought a new Deka and it shows 12.7 volts on my meter. I decided to put it on the charger, but my bigger charger is at the cabin. I have a slow charge maintainance charger that puts out 1.5 volts. I know that's not much but I have time to wait. I can't go up north till Monday. What's the verdict? Should I put it on the slow charge. Is it better or worse for the battery?

Thanks,
Dan

[Slipkey]

Dan,
12.7 volts should be fine.  A voltmeter will bump up to around 14 when the battery is hooked up to a charger or the alternator is charging but 12.2 to 12.8 is the norm. The same for the 1.5 volt charger for the time being.  If it's a new battery it's not going to take high amperage to charge to full capacity. 

As the battery ages and scaling occurs, it will take higher amperage chargers to charge it to full.  10 amp per-bank chargers on your boat will extend the life of your batteries more than 5 amp chargers will over the same period.

HTH,
Jon

[fiker]

"10 amp per-bank chargers on your boat will extend the life of your batteries more than 5 amp chargers will over the same period."

I didn't know that.  But the next time I purchase a battery charger I'll check it out.

[Dan]

Thanks Slipkey.

[djkimmel]

I've been told for years that 10 amp chargers are not really the best for our big deep cycle batteries. I know we often don't have enough time on the charger overnight to truly get them back to full charge after a long day in the wind and current of the Great Lakes, particularly if we camp.

I was told a 15 amp was best. I found a charger years back that does up to 30 amps per battery for 3 batteries and is designed to get the most out of low voltage situations like some campgrounds too. It sometimes sounds like a jet turbine winding up, but I always seem to have a full charge every morning and I got 4 full seasons out of my last set of 3 Deka Marine Master 31s.

Each battery type (gel, wet cell, glass mat) requires different charging parameters. I read a great comparison of chargers a few years ago in Bass & Walleye Boats that was very enlightening. Some of the well known models did not do well.

I always say knowledge is power and with batteries... well that's pretty obvious, isn't it?

One thing I will pass on now. I had a battery rep tell me you sometimes have to 'boil' or 'cook' your batteries to make them healthy. I did my own research and found that to be true... if you are talking about huge bank batteries that sit on the floor of a shop and never move. Our batteries move a LOT - think about it. Bouncing down our 'smooth' highways. Banging from wave to wave. They get shook up just fine

I think it is very important to find knowledgeable people to ask your questions of and the battery experts are obvious choices. I'd recommend anyone call my friends at Wonch/Deka Battery in Lansing at 800-444-4148 or see them at the various fishing shows and ask your good questions. Of course, we'll try to answer them here too

[Dan]

Props to Lt. Dan,
He knows his cinnamon rolls, batteries and has the best forum in the country! Thanks DK I learn something new almost daily on this site!

[djkimmel]

I'm glad you are happy (and looking forward to those Matteson Marine cinnamon rolls again next year )