Charlie Brown wrote:

On Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:06:16 -0800, "wtrplnet"
wrote:



**** May your Christmas be Spectacular!****
*****...and your New Year even Better!*****

I'm no expert on this but IIRC charging a battery can build up explosive
fumes. I would expect those to disperse in a car battery but in a boat
could collect in the bilge and cause a really dangerous condition.

Anyone?


With there being on-board chargers, I wouldn't think that would be an
issue?

Also, does an outboard motor charge the battery while it's running?

On-board charges are permanently connected to the battery. A
conventional battery charger is not, so it will create a spark when it
is attached.

Outboard motors do charge the battery when they run but, just like a
car, the alternator can only produce a fixed output. This is typically
enough to keep the battery charged but if you have a lot of drain from
accessories, they may be more than the alternator can handle.

Dan