Charging Deep-Cycle Batteries: Leave Them Plugged In Or Not? | Bass Fishing

Should you leave your batteries plugged in and charging all the time, or is that a bad idea? There’s more to it than you think! We debunk the myths! Should you leave your batteries plugged in and charging all the time, or is that a bad idea? There’s more to it than you think! We debunk the myths! Learn the best practices for charging your boat's batteries with our expert guide. Learn the truth behind common charging myths and understand the importance of choosing the right charger with maintenance or float mode. Discover the impact of extension cord length and gauge on charging efficiency and why immediate charging post-fishing is crucial. Whether you're dealing with lead-acid, wet-cell, AGMs, or gel cells, get the insights you need for optimal battery maintenance and longevity.
0:00 Start
0:50 What To Check On Your Charger
3:03 What You Need To Know About Extention Cords
6:17 Charging At Camp Grounds: What To Watch For
7:38 Charging Tips To Prevent Damage
10:05 AGM, Wet Cell, and Lead Acid Batteries
11:01 Maintenance/Float Mode & Potential Risks
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[@statesmanuel]

Absolutely agree with that 8-gauge recommendation. When it comes to your own "stuff", there is no such thing as "Overkill". I've been in the marine electronics biz for 45 years, and must say that this vid is a goldmine of good advice (now I'll look at more of your vids).

[@bassresource]

Thank you so much, and thanks for watching!

[@ehtrudawg6089]

13:19 I have an on board charger and need to know the best way to keep my three batteries maintained. Like, should I use 14:15 solar as my boat is stored at a facility with no electricity access. Would appreciate any advice.

[@wickedbassn]

I do the same. Plug them in after fishing, and unplug the next morning. I make sure to plug them back in the night before my next trip even though they are most likely good to go.

[@bassresource]

Sounds like a good plan! Are you also doing the other things mentioned in the video?

[@edyoung6573]

Very informative and I 100% agree with you!! Especially with the extension cords!! I have 3 and are all 50 feet and 8 gauge! I picked up a AGM (blue top) for my Old Lance 880, my kinda old Sears Die hard Platinum Charger actually has a AGM/Gel setting, I set the amps to 15 and after it charges it goes into float mode. So far so good.

[@mikewelter180]

I'm glad to have come across this video. About 4 1/2 years ago I purchased a 1989 Charger that was in pretty good condition for its age. It had a Bass Pro XPS 3 bank charger on it that appeared to function as it should. I wasn't sure if it had a built-in maintenance mode or not. I asked some of my club buddy's if they kept their chargers plugged in all the time or not. Most stated that they kept theirs plugged in all the time. So, I did the same. I did this for around a year until I walked into my garage one morning and noticed this nasty smell like something overheating. Even though I topped off the batteries every other month, the smell turned out to be three cooked batteries. Since then, I've upgraded to a 4 bank system (I purchased an Ultrex) and now I only charge the batteries after a fishing trip, then once a week or the night before another trip. I've done this for the past three years with no problems.

[@bassresource]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@pensnut08]

This should be required viewing for anybody who charges a battery. WELL DONE AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND!!!

[@bassresource]

Hi pensnut08. Thanks for the feedback and support. I look forward to hearing more from you.

[@keithmason8322]

Makes perfect sense👍

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Great video!!! Thanks for the good advise!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!!

[@bassresource]

Thanks for watching Mr. John B!

[@1964krazyeric]

This is a great and informative video. I have been wondering these things.

[@bassresource]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@jimwhite3096]

Glen , so good to see you back !!!! The other guys with the seven minute video's are not good

[@bassresource]

Nice! We love to hear feedback like this. Thanks for being a loyal viewer!

[@alanaho4915]

I have s Noco with Float, Maintenance, and plug in as soon as I get the boat home. And I left them plugged in 24/7. I've been thinking about unplugging them after a few days. Your explanation makes sense. I think I will try that and plug back in the day before I head back to the water. Good video, thanks!

[@bassresource]

Glad to help, Alan Aho. Let me know how it works out as I would love to see the results.

[@brianrydzeski6108]

I use a NOCO on my cruiser motorcycle. When I'm not riding, it is plugged in. Battery is 12 years old and works fine. Read the manual-follow the instructions. Make sure your model of charger is designed to leave them plugged in. I have a 6 month riding season due to weather. It's plugged in all winter.

[@kennyw6932]

Some good pointers in your presentation. I've always stayed plugged in. My last battery a size 31 exactly one year old and I decided to check the cells for liquid level after being plugged in for three months. Walla, liquid level in three cells was below the plates. Plates still wet, TYJ? Topped them off with distilled water. Learning curve here, check the liquid level at least once a month if you leave plugged in. I now follow your practice, however, I bring up to snuff and repeat every three weeks during down season. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@bassresource]

That’s a good tip as well, Kenny W. Thanks for sharing.

[@pine0981]

I have done both......... no data either way. Overall good video.

[@ermannodangelo1062]

Good informative video, love those AC Delco batteries. Used to be able to buy them at Costco, now their Kirkland but I’m sure it’s just a label on a Delco batteriy.

[@bassresource]

Yes, absolutely Ermanno D'Angelo! Thanks for watching!

[@mattperske6594]

Plug mine in when done fishing and unplug when fully charged. I turn off my battery disconnect and unplug my trolling motor at the bow. Been doing this years with both pro mariner and NOCO chargers. I have a lead acid main and two blue top optimas.

[@MP-qn1jw]

Extension cords!!! YES!! I just got a used 26' coastal, and it had 2 50' 16ga ext cords with a 30A adapter at one end. The socket on both cords had been melted. LOL, right in the garbage they go. I never buy anything less than 12ga, even 6' cords. Also, remember the 80% rule from the NEC. As for you killing chargers, get better chargers. Just because it came with your boat does not mean it is worth spit. Many manufacturers partner up, and even if the product is piss poor they will still push it as a "package". Try a charger from a company that only makes power products, and not a company that makes trolling motors. I am a firm believer of no other company can do what Yamaha does. Meaning, specialty manufacturing is where it's at. Buying a MinnKota charger is like going to Burger King for a salad. I applaud your dedication to topping off once a week, but what if you are gone for a month? Do you think you will get away with that if the boat sits in the water for months on end? I certainly will not unplug my battery charger while my boat is in the water at the dock. Bilge pump eventually will need to run when it rains. People do have chargers that work very well constantly plugged in, constantly topping off the battery(s), and they do this for years on end. Sad to hear about your bad luck with chargers, but it might be time to look in to a better charger. I like Victron Energy. >$200 for a single battery charger @25A. Pricey, yes but well worth it. Their charger is totally programmable so you can greatly extend the number of cycles, or run hard to get every Wh possible out of the battery. Good luck!! Fish On!!

[@bassresource]

Awesome. Thanks for the feedback @MP-qn1jw!

[@FULLCIRCLEBAND]

I have a 2013 Ranger, with the Dual Pro charger. It has been been plugged in 24/7 for 11 years with the same charger. I use Deka 31 AGM's, these batteries are 8 years old and still run all day long. Think I will keep on doing exactly what I have been doing. One thing, every time we have thunderstorms, I unplug my charger.

[@lowvpro9651]

I've done about the same for years. It's never been a issue.

[@timboomhower]

I deal with batteries as a part of my job. They are deep discharge types used for battery backup systems (UPS's). As a standard, a UPS system goes through a cycle charging batteries for about 30 days then resting for about 30 days. Also, the charging system is not constant current. Batteries are charged to float voltage of 13.5vdc and no more. Otherwise you risk shortening the life or risking premature damage from overcharging.

[@timboomhower]

As an add, this would apply to any battery.

[@viragovtwin]

A transformer based charger will suffer from an inadequate extension cord. A battery charger that uses switch mode technology has the ability to compensate somewhat in a brownout situation. Consider that a 30 Amp 12v charger will tend to pull slightly more than 3 amps from a 120v line and will draw more current during a brown out.

[@sportsmobile8328]

You are Correct 🎯

[@bassresource]

Thanks for the support, @sportsmobile8328, and thanks for watching!

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

Thank you Glenn,great video

[@bassresource]

Yes, absolutely Ken Mccarthy Fishing! Thanks for watching!

[@veterunco4405]

Thank you

[@bassresource]

You're welcome

[@geostrong3606]

What is the battery chargers u recommend for my bass boat 3 bank

[@timg185]

I replaced the charger in my 1996 Cajun . Around the year 2001. I bought a $200 bass pro charger and installed it my self. It was still working when I traded my boat in , in 2019 . I’m a guy that alway left mine plugged in. I also had 2 Walmart batteries. 1 was 7 years old and the other was 11 years old.

[@timg185]

For clarity I did replace the batteries. But that’s how old they were when I replaced them.

[@noahriding5780]

What's the max amount of time you can have pass on your fishing batteries to not have them damaged with how long they can remain uncharged? Obviously I'm going to charge them up as soon as possible, but I wondered what kind of window of time you have on this? To my knowledge I haven't seen people talk about this.

[@bassresource]

It's dependent upon many factors that affect the age and condition of the batteries. Too many to have a one-size-fits-all answer, other than charging them as soon as you're able.

[@noahriding5780]

Thanks for the reply. It does seem interesting to learn from you and other people about these topics. @@bassresource

[@tombiga8254]

What should be done during winter storage? AGM as for Optima died quickly in year or two ie sulfate, should I leave it plugged in or plug it in like ever week to make sure it stays at 12.4 so sulfate won't happen again, I have Schumacher charger maintainer for AGM etc which I use on all vehicles and boat no longer have onboard charging since I went to lithium for trolling motor only cause it would fry a Opti max

[@martyl7600]

What are good charger brands for lead acid troll

[@alanaho4915]

My new extension cord came today. Changing out the 15 ft, 16AWG/13A cord wth a 15 ft, 12AWG/15A cord for my NOCO 3 bank 5AMP (per bank). I will see if my batteries charge faster, especially my cranking battery (always seems to take longer than my troll batteries).

[@bassresource]

Cranking batteries typically take longer to charge, usually because that's the battery that all the electronics use.

[@johnproctor3071]

Is there a problem taking batteries out and putting them back in? Unfortunately, I do not have the space to park my boat at my residence. I have to store my boat at a storage facility. I haven't had any issues yet, but everything is fairly new. Am I doing any long-term damage to the batteries or electronics on the boat?

[@bassresource]

Shouldn't be any problem at all. Pro tip: Mark all your wires so you know how to connect them back.

[@kevinswinyer3176]

Here is my situation. I am living in a Small Camper Trailer, with no Electricity. I have a 2000 Watt Inverter, and have been thinking about getting a 12 Volt Deep Cycle Marine Battery to hook up to my Inverter. Can I safely run either my Microwave, or Hot Air Fryer for 5 to 10 minutes to cook a decent meal ? For charging purposes, I know I need a floater Charger, but my question is can I plug that charger into the same inverter that is hooked up to the same battery to keep that battery topped off, or would I need to use a different power source to power the Floater Charger ?

[@bowmandw]

My deep cycle changes up fully but when it goes in to maintenance mode it shows a fault. So I start it over and the same result.Maybe I should check water lever it use large gauge drop cord. Where would you start.

[@smalliehound]

I recommend the Dual Pro B.O.S. It will absolutely extend the life of your batteries. And, it keeps them optimized so that they don't need to be plugged in all the time. Which, as you mentioned, prematurely wears out your chargers.

[@babjwmson]

Good safety advises on the charger life, 8-12 rated power extension cord and for the life of the batteries.

[@bassresource]

Thanks for watching @babjwmson!

[@newwavepressure6478]

Can I charge my deep cycle trolling battery with The one I use on my car battery like regular car charger

[@bassresource]

It depends. If it has a "deep cycle" switch, then yes, you can use it.

[@TradeWorks_Construction]

wanted to simply correct a misunderstanding about wire gauge size for AWG cross-sectional size doubles for every 3AWG size increase. Since wire cross-section is the determining factor for how much current the wire can handle a 10 AWG wire can handle 4X what a 16 AWG can all things being equal.

[@bassresource]

The video mentions a 10 AWG wire handles more current than a 16 AWG wire, so no misunderstanding. But thanks for that level of detail!

[@jpaul4788]

The only batteries that last me 5 -6 years were interstate megatron when I purchased my boat, I was to cheap to pay for retail price ,well I found out that if you go to actual interstate store you $ 30 -40 dollars cheaper , you don’t pay the middle man

[@bassresource]

That’s a good tip as well, JPaul. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomrunning357]

I would think having a surge protection before the charger might be a good idea if these onboard chargers are that expensive. Just thinking.

[@bassresource]

That’s a good tip as well, Tom Running. Thanks for sharing.

[@alanaho4915]

I have mine plugged into a surge protector. I like the added protection.

[@craigcampbell2687]

If you have a portable charger and unplug it from wall outlet do you need to disconnect charger from battery terminals?

[@bassresource]

No

[@winstonrocco1981]

You can also charge after fishing then go to harbor freight and buy those little maintainers put one on each battery and forget about it. They work batteries will live a long time and they are hot. I just plug my onboard charger back in to check the night before I fish . I’ve got the same interstate batteries that came on boat new it’s a 2017 just saying Tight lines

[@jasonbroom7147]

Not about lithium iron-phosphate batteries? Might as well talk about rotary dial phones, 8-track cassette tapes or horse-drawn carriages. There's almost zero situations where LFP isn't the superior choice, and that includes TCO for folks who argue SLA or AGM is "cheaper".

[@bassresource]

Given the overwhelming majority of boaters use lead-acid batteries, this video is extremely relevant and helpful. Maybe 10 years from now that won't be the case. That is, of course, if the cost of lithium batteries continues to go down.

[@jasonbroom7147]

@@bassresource - The TCO of lithium batteries is already lower than any lead-acid option. If you have lead-acid, right now, I can understand wanting to get the most life out of them, but anyone replacing or buying their first trolling motor or electronics battery would be ill-advised to go with anything other than lithium iron-phosphate. That's not 10 years from now, that's today. SLA and AGM are still applicable for cranking batteries.

[@babyreps365]

Recommendations for a charger I can leave plugged in 24/7 for my lithium batteries?

[@jasonbroom7147]

@@babyreps365- You don't leave lithium batteries plugged in 24/7, because they don't self-discharge the way a lead-acid battery does. As far as an on-board charging system goes, I use the Noco Genius and have been very happy with it.

[@lonelypinebeefarm4297]

Go based on the gauge the. Charger came with. And go 1 size down for a drop cord. Simple. If the charger came with a 16 gauge use a 14 gauge drop cord.

[@bassresource]

That’s a good tip as well, Lonely Pine bee farm. Thanks for sharing.

[@CDSilverado]

You're "basically" right. One more added anomaly, HEAT. Anything that causes heat needs to be checked out. Cords, outlets, plugs, of course, the Chargers. Heat usually indicates power loss

[@bassresource]

That’s a good tip as well, Curt Dumitras. Thanks for sharing.

[@alanaho4915]

Here in Arizona, where it's hot, I'm told by many that batteries (vehicle and boat) last 2, maybe 3 years. I'm experiencing that, so anything that will prolong battery life, I welcome.

[@jessicalafond4798]

So should I be doing maintenance mode at night

[@bassresource]

No. Once the battery is charged, then once every 2-3 weeks is fine.

[@robertlivingston1634]

Watts ÷volts = amps that determines the size wire required for the job,8 gauge wire is complete overkill for a 120 volt charger if you're trying to pull 6000 Watts through a 15 amp receptacle there's your week link. I charge my batteries and unplug and check them occasionally to see if they need to be topped off, my starting battery has a parasitic draw but my trolling batteries will hold a charge for months.

[@bassresource]

You got that right! Thanks for watching, @robertlivingston1634!

[@deddie4645]

I agree completely heavier extension cords or better.... The why does my $200 battery, Is charger, Maintainer, desulfider,,, In unicorn dust mode.. charger have an 18 gauge power cord.... Don't answer....

[@bassresource]

Watch the video. It's answered in the video. (See, I didn't answer here)

[@davidpatterson8151]

What is brand of the charger and batteries you've been using for 14 years

[@bassresource]

Dual Pro 4 bank charger. The batteries aren't 14 years old though.

[@bassresource]

They're AC Delco Marine batteries, believe it or not. Affordable and reliable.

[@winstonrocco1981]

I almost caught a guest 4 bank charger on fire using a 16 gauge 100 ft extension cord. Charger and cord melted and was smokin

[@bassresource]

Yep, that would do it.

[@michaelcee4808]

Impedence rule of thumb: extension cords need to be upsized when footage exceeds voltage

[@bassresource]

You got that right! Thanks for watching, Michael Cee!

[@michaelcee4808]

I listened to the rest just now and I’m curious where you even found an 8 gauge extension for 120v use. 8 gauge handles 40-55 amps depending on insulation type, which far exceeds the ampacity of 12g or 14g wire on the wall receptacle. 8g would rarely be applicable outside of 220v situations.

[@wsbill14224]

You shouldn't paint with such a wide brush. If you need to charge one boat or car battery you can use an extension cord just fine as long as your charger is on the small side. If you draw 6 Amps at 14 Volts you're only going to be drawing 84 Watts of energy so the current on the 120 Volt side will be less than one amp, so the cord won't get hot and cause low voltage and safety hazards. And no one uses 8 gauge can you say overkill? Good quality extension cords are the same size as the cord on power tools. If I leave my 6 Amp Shumacher charger from 1987 connected to my battery it will eventually overcharge so I have to disconnect it once the current drops to an amp or so, telling me the battery is charged. Today's chargers can detect a fully charged battery then go into trickle or storage mode. You need to understand what type of charger you have. They are not created equal and I'm not talking about how much current they can deliver. Once your batteries are charged they can sit for a couple months but they need to be topped here and there especially in cold climates. Batteries hate cold there's no way around it.

[@joehunt4506]

Use a smart charger and they shut off when fully charged

[@bassresource]

That's only part of the answer. If you don't follow the rest of the info in the video, you'll have issues.

[@MrRobinski]

Can you mention the other issues you mean specifically? Thanks@@bassresource

[@blairexodus8005]

should I leave my lawnmower battery charged 24/7? Will it raise my electric bill?

[@johnstetson]

8 gauge wire is rated at 50 amps- thats rediculous to plug in a battery charger. An 8 gauge extension cord will have a 50 amp cord cap on it =it wont plug into a typical house outlet. A 14 gauge extension cord is rated at 15 amps = thats what your house is probably wired with- 14 gauge romex

[@bassresource]

@johnstetson, glad I can help. Thanks for subscribing as well.

[@chrispeterson1247]

I plug mine in the day before i go fishing, never when i get home. havnt had an issue yet.

[@bassresource]

Thanks for watching @chrispeterson1247!

[@stevefisher2553]

Do not

[@bassresource]

Do or do not. There is no try.

[@stevefisher2553]

@@bassresource do not leave chargers on your boat or golf carts.