"HK" wrote in message
. ..
Eisboch wrote:

I'd recommend a float type battery maintainer rather than a trickle
charger.
The old trickle chargers can still overcharge or boil off a battery over
a long period.

The newer, "smart" battery maintainers keep the float charge voltage
below 14.4 volts.
I use them for my motorcycle batteries during winter storage. The work
great and are not expensive. Plug 'em in and forget them until spring.

http://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/VEC-080.htm

Eisboch




I've got a larger "VEC" "marine" battery charger. I just hook it up once a
month on the boat batteries. I'm just not used to leaving a battery
charger hooked up all the time.

That works, but the maintainers are really foolproof. They only put out 1.5
to 2 amps max. and then only if a full charge is required. They're designed
to be left on for extended periods .... like all winter. I've been using
them without a problem for several years on the bikes and classic cars.

Come to think of it, the Navigator's battery chargers have been on now 24/7
for about 3 years. The three 8D batteries are charged by a big, triple
output 90 amp ferroresonant type charger, so I have to routinely check and
add water as required. The two thruster batteries (next size down from an
8D) are charged by a newer, 30 amp, dual output "smart" charger with float
mode. I've never had to add water to the thruster batteries.

Eisboch