So many questions about my batteries!

[apaseman]

Hello,

Sorry for my ignorance, first real boat, and just learning.

My batteries seem to not be holding up...yesterday on the Delta, my trolling motor started out fine, but lost power rather quickly despite having charged my batteries for a long time. 24 volt system.

Now, I'm not familiar with charging batteries. I have an on boat charger that I assume (?) is charging both batteries when I plug it in and turn the knob to charge (Original owner showed me to turn a large knob to 24 volt to run, and switch it to charge. Here's where the confusion is.

If I plug in the chord to charge my batteries, will it overcharge them? If so, ho do I figure out how long to leave it plugged in?

I'm assuming it's charging both batteires (hooked up for 24 volts) at the same time. Is this correct?

Is there any way to figure out if my batteries are good or bad? I would hate to replace the batteries not truly knowing if they were bad, 2 deep cycle batteries will set me back a lot of money.

Thanks, and sorry for all the questions

 

[Silvertip]

Re: So many questions about my batteries!

We have no idea what your wiring system looks like, what the switch(es) are that you mention, what type of charger (make, model, features) you have and how old everything is so we can't begin to provide reasonable advice. Pictures of these items will help. But here is some general information. 1) Batteries can be load tested at any of auto stores like NAPA, Auto Zone, etc and they generally do it for free. Just make sure the batteries are charged before you test them. Depending on how old the charger is and the type, it may indeed overcharge the batteries. Newer on-board chargers are automatic and most can be left turned on indefinitely without overcharging. Details - Details - Details if you want help.

 

[apaseman]

Re: So many questions about my batteries!

Thanks. I will attempt to get some details