On-Board Charger

[chumbucket]

chipde, good info!
I know it's not related to reelapeelin's question, but for my own knowledge; When batteries are tied together in parallel I know just a common negative won't drain the stronger battery, but if the positive lead selector switch is in the "All" position, couldn't this potentially be a problem without an isolator? I'm just curious because I ran into that problem in the past running both batts on all while running to charge them both. One battery was quite a bit older than the other and ended up eventually draining and shortening the life of the newer batt. I'm a loy more careful now to maintain the two batts equally. Isolators are pricey and I would rather not add too much more to the boat in that respect.
Just curious and thought you'd be able to shed some light on that as well.
Thanks.

Yes, That's definitely a problem if batteries are in parallel without any isolator - they will drain each other - even if the batteries are of the same quality they will drain each other like a yoyo..
I only use the "all" or "both" position when charging up on longer trips, and when starting up after long periods of storage.

I always run a single battery at a time when on anchor and running equipment.. or when running back after I exhausted one hanging on the line..

[chumbucket]

Thanks chipde. That's what I thought and I operate them the same way.

[reelapeelin]

got some things to do this week, but i'm gonna try to set this up in the next few days

thanx for all the info...i'll post how it goes