[Rhodes22-list] Charging Question

[Goodness]

I would add a solar panel with voltage regulator.  It should keep the battery fully charged.  If the battery is a deep cycle it will probably last a long time, maybe all summer without "having" to be charged however this could shorten its lifespan.  Short motoring spurts do not bring a deep cycle back to full charge like it would a small starting battery.



On Jul 4, 2012, at 2:03 PM, David Craft <chsyhkr at gmail.com> wrote:

> We purchased our boat last year with a dead battery and no motor.  We added
> the Tohatsu Sailpro 6 hp which has an alternator.  We wired it to a new
> battery and off we go.  We motor a little here and there depending on the
> weather.  How much charge am I keeping on the battery with a little
> motoring?  I have a plug charger and plan on taking the battery out in
> winter to store and charge back up.  I have also read do not let the
> battery get past half it's capacity?  I am no electrician here............
> 
> I have read get a volt meter and as long as you have 12-13 volts you are in
> good shape.  We only run instruments, lights, a radio, cell charger, small
> fan, and water pump.
> 
> Thoughts?
> 
> -- 
> Regards,
> 
> David B. Craft
> Greensboro, NC
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