I want to hook my boat to the AC at my slip and charge the batteries. I want to run my live well pump all night and I know it will drain the batteries so I want to compensate for the draw of the live well pump. What is the best way to accomplish what I want to do? CORRECTLY!

so your saying , my way is the wrong way.:confused:

BTW we FU yesterday:fishin:

http://www.basspro.com/Boating-Marine-Accessories-Boat-Seats/Subcategory-Charging-Portable-Power/Type-Chargers/_/N-1z0ux8tZ1z0u431Z1z0v4hg

Might try a charger that you permanently install in the boat that you can plug into shore power. Don't know all the details but can't be that difficult to figure out.

so your saying , my way is the wrong way.:confused:

BTW we FU yesterday:fishin:

I'm not certain Mike. I think there are some electrical issues with just putting a battery charger on your boat. I'm told you'll eat up your zincs in no time.

http://www.basspro.com/Boating-Marine-Accessories-Boat-Seats/Subcategory-Charging-Portable-Power/Type-Chargers/_/N-1z0ux8tZ1z0u431Z1z0v4hg

Might try a charger that you permanently install in the boat that you can plug into shore power. Don't know all the details but can't be that difficult to figure out.


Thanks Ed. Long time no talk. We should meet at the new coffee place.

F U Eddie said the same F $%^&*( thing & he,s not nuts ><><><>:smash:

F U Eddie said the same F $%^&*( thing & he,s not nuts ><><><>:smash:

Stop it you crazy **&^. I'll call you tomorrow. I have a Mr C check up first thing. Then I'll call you

Live car?

U know where I,ll be ><><>

they couldn,t find the bait today with the wind ><><>,lOl:devil2:

Live car?

?????

?????
Paul, that's one nice idea you have there :uhuh:
Next best might be a live car. Back in the day we had a 4' round live car tied up in the slip with the boat. Kept it well stocked and it only took a couple minutes to move some "guests" (bait :) ) into the live well. Then you can stay in bed for another hr! :devil2:

Paul, that's one nice idea you have there :uhuh:
Next best might be a live car. Back in the day we had a 4' round live car tied up in the slip with the boat. Kept it well stocked and it only took a couple minutes to move some "guests" (bait :) ) into the live well. Then you can stay in bed for another hr! :devil2:
X2
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Maybe this will help.

I ran a shore power line from the dock that feeds a marine GFI receptacle I installed. Then I installed an on-board (Marine) charger that I plug into the GFI and I also run a dehumidifier in the cabin.
So with the GFI, I can unplug something and I have the option of running power tools or something else in the boat at the dock.

To your question I don't think a charger on the battery or batteries will keep up with the draw of a live well over a long period time. They don't put out huge amperage.

Maybe you can find an AC pump to just plug in at the dock to run the tank. I also thought of doing this, (someday). Or maybe a good size converter from the AC to DC and plug the pump right into it.

Most DC powered pumps will burn out if left on for too long a period of time.

Thanks guys. Got to think about this a bit.

build a pen out of underground sprinkler tubing and rabbit fence.
If you want to keep them in your livewell and don't want to rewire the boat for battery charger, get a submersible basement pump from homedepot and put it next to the power post on the dock, with the hose going into the livewell.

My live well runs for 4 days straight at a time all summer but I replace the pump with westmarine warrantee every year.
I can leave the 12 volt pump running all night if I want, but I am plugged into shore power with two D8 batteries powering it.

Mike is right on.
Big batteries, good onboard charger plugged into shore power, the right livewell pump that doesn't draw crazy amps, you should be good to run all night.

Paulie the basket or cage over the side won,t work for you ......................... you too far up the cove & the water is too warm ...

It worked when we fished herring / the water was alot cooler & they hadn,t been snagged ;;

Mike, I kinda figured as much. Even eels die when the water warms up way back where I am.

Paulie the basket or cage over the side won,t work for you ......................... you too far up the cove & the water is too warm ...

It worked when we fished herring / the water was alot cooler & they hadn,t been snagged ;;

That's thinking!
I miss herring, getting them was almost as much fun as fishing them.

Mike, I kinda figured as much. Even eels die when the water warms up way back where I am.

WOW! I didn't realize there was such a big difference up in the cove. Think I lost 1 eel all summer last year.

good advice here. Just running an household extension cord down the dock to a portable charger is a recipe for problems if left on for any length of time.

The correct way is to have a marine batter charger that passes thru a galvanic isolater then through a marine receptacle and heavy 50amp marine cord to a dock receptacle.

Doing it wrong can cause very rapid erosion of underwater metals. I have seen the drain plug erode to the point of near failure in a VERY short period of time.

Another problem it you may not make any dock friends. The guy next to you could have problems due to your set up if he is plugged in as well.

I don't like leaving pumps on all night but you can, they will burn up eventually esp cheap jabsco pumps but just get a new one per Mikes suggestion. I replace every pump on my boat almost every 2or3 years it seems.

good advice here. Just running an household extension cord down the dock to a portable charger is a recipe for problems if left on for any length of time.

The correct way is to have a marine batter charger that passes thru a galvanic isolater then through a marine receptacle and heavy 50amp marine cord to a dock receptacle.

Doing it wrong can cause very rapid erosion of underwater metals. I have seen the drain plug erode to the point of near failure in a VERY short period of time.

Another problem it you may not make any dock friends. The guy next to you could have problems due to your set up if he is plugged in as well.

I don't like leaving pumps on all night but you can, they will burn up eventually esp cheap jabsco pumps but just get a new one per Mikes suggestion. I replace every pump on my boat almost every 2or3 years it seems.

Thanks to everyone for the advice.