[Rhodes22-list] Charging Question

[Lowe, Rob]

David,
I guess I would suggest, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.  If you monitor your battery and it stays in the 12-13 volt range, then don't worry about it.  Your alternator is keeping up with your demand.  If you see the battery voltage starting to decline and the motor starts getting harder to turn over (I'm assuming electric start??), then you can add a solar or shore charger. Below is a standard voltage vs. charge state chart.  You are correct, you don't want to get below 50% capacity as it is hard on the battery.  If you start to drop to around 12.0 volts, more charging is called for. - rob

A fully charged battery should be around 12.7 volts. 

State of Charge 	12 Volt battery 	Volts per Cell
100% 			12.7 			2.12
90% 			12.5 			2.08
80% 			12.42 		2.07
70% 			12.32 		2.05
60% 			12.20 		2.03
50% 			12.06 		2.01
40% 			11.9 			1.98
30% 			11.75 		1.96
20% 			11.58 		1.93
10% 			11.31 		1.89
0 			10.5 			1.75

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of David Craft
Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2012 2:04 PM
To: Rhodes List
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Charging Question

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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