Baller MitchellM Posted August 23, 2023 Baller Share Posted August 23, 2023 Anyone have specific recommendations for a battery tender/trickle charger they like and use? I'd also be curious about battery tending habits for folks who don't use their boats daily. If my boat sits on a lift for 2-3 weeks, I don't want to show up to a dead battery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mlange Posted August 23, 2023 Baller Share Posted August 23, 2023 Have added a couple of NOCOs in the past and never had an issue. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 2Valve Posted August 23, 2023 Baller Share Posted August 23, 2023 Been using this one for years on motorcycles, cars and the ski boat. https://smartercharger.com/collections/car-battery-chargers/products/ctek-multi-us-7002 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ RichardDoane Posted August 23, 2023 Baller_ Share Posted August 23, 2023 +1 on the C-Tek line of chargers. My shop has a half dozen of them of the various sizes. A small one (under $100) will do fine for what you need. But if your boat has a good battery, and a disconnect switch, you should be good for a month without the need of a charger. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MitchellM Posted August 23, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted August 23, 2023 2 hours ago, 2Valve said: Been using this one for years on motorcycles, cars and the ski boat. https://smartercharger.com/collections/car-battery-chargers/products/ctek-multi-us-7002 Thanks for that recommendation. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller dvskier Posted August 23, 2023 Baller Share Posted August 23, 2023 Harbor Freight works for me. Had it 5 years now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller UWSkier Posted August 23, 2023 Baller Share Posted August 23, 2023 (edited) Assuming you have 110v to the dock/lift. I have a Noco Genius in my boat that gets plugged in whenever the boat isn't in use. Not only will it maintain the charge via trickle charging, it will assess the battery chemistry and take corrective action to help prolong the battery life. I consider it a necessity here in Arizona where the high temps destroy batteries after a few years. All you need for a single starting battery is the lower end model. Been using the predecessor to this linked model for years with great results. Amazon Link Edited August 23, 2023 by UWSkier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted August 23, 2023 Baller Share Posted August 23, 2023 (edited) I have a few from different brands they're all fine. But after watching a Harry's Garage video (great if you're into classic cars and motorcycles) I've started using Ctek Their vehicle side connectors : https://smartercharger.com/collections/accessories/products/ctek-comfort-connect-indicator-eyelet : have LED charge indicators. I've started adding these to my stuff and there is nothing like walking past your lawn tractor and going hmm that needs a top up to keep your stuff working just last night I charged my motorcycle and I've been adding these to the batteries on everything I own. Edited August 23, 2023 by BraceMaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ETskier Posted August 25, 2023 Baller Share Posted August 25, 2023 I got a solar unit from an auto parts store. Had it 4 years here in central FL with no battery problems. Battery was a year old when I got the charger and sold it with the boat last summer. I had no power available in the storage area. Replaced the clips with eyelets permanently attached to the battery terminals. It had a quick disconnect in the wire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MitchellM Posted August 25, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted August 25, 2023 10 hours ago, ETskier said: I got a solar unit from an auto parts store. Had it 4 years here in central FL with no battery problems. Battery was a year old when I got the charger and sold it with the boat last summer. I had no power available in the storage area. Replaced the clips with eyelets permanently attached to the battery terminals. It had a quick disconnect in the wire. That sounds appealing. I'll have to see if I can mount it for good sun exposure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BrennanKMN Posted August 25, 2023 Baller Share Posted August 25, 2023 I understand your question is about a tender, but if you're leaving your boat for 2-3 weeks and you're coming back to a dead battery you have another issue to sort out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MitchellM Posted August 25, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted August 25, 2023 2 hours ago, BrennanKMN said: I understand your question is about a tender, but if you're leaving your boat for 2-3 weeks and you're coming back to a dead battery you have another issue to sort out. Interesting. How long should I be expected to leave my boat unused and have it still fire up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ScottScott Posted August 25, 2023 Baller Share Posted August 25, 2023 Post 2014 prostars won't go more than a couple days before battery is drained enough it won't start. Turn battery off every night. I have the Noco Genius. I generally only use it when I forgot to turn switch off. I keep 2 batteries going also. When I forget to turn off, I swap batteries and charge the dead one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BrennanKMN Posted August 25, 2023 Baller Share Posted August 25, 2023 4 hours ago, MitchellM said: Interesting. How long should I be expected to leave my boat unused and have it still fire up? Not sure what boat you have, but my 2007 Nautique I can lave over the winter (4-6 months) and have it still start in the spring. Battery is at least 7 years old at this point too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ETskier Posted August 25, 2023 Baller Share Posted August 25, 2023 I just laid my solar panel on the sunny side of the trailer. Disconected and set it aside with my cover while I had the boat out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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