Onboard charger in winter....

[aquafang]

Is it safe to use an onboard charger plugged in all winter in sub zero temps?

[Whoaru99]

There's no way it could be safer plugged in than not plugged in. That's just the nature of an electrical device.

That said, if you ensure the batteries are fully charged before storage then disconnect everything from them, there's little need for a charger since self-discharge is next to nothing in the cold of winter/sub-zero temps.

OTOH, leaving it plugged in will, most likely, be just fine too. I did it for many years until I decided just to do what I mentioned above. Despite popular myth, cold storage doesn't hurt the batteries and may actually be better than bringing them inside for the winter. Again though, ensuring they're charged and disconnected is key to winter storage.

[knoppers]

I cannot remove my starting battery easily, so I leave it in during the winter. I do wire the onboard charger to it, but only plug it in once and a while during winter. like said, make sure its fully charged first, then its fine, I have had no issues at all since 2008 when I got this boat.

[96trigger]

I have started doing that the last couple of years for my boat, I leave it plugged in all winter and have had no problems.

[motley man]

I can remember more than one fire in 22 years on Fire Department caused by onboard charger shorting out when left plugged in all winter. But that's not to say nothing else could happen also. Just be sure of good wiring and cords.

[Ufatz]

I plug my boat in every couple months just to put a little "boost" to them. All things equal, a fully charged battery should be just fine in the spring so I probably would not have to even do that. But it does get so dam cold here some days!

[MuskieJunkie]

I would not leave it plugged in all winter even though that is probably the best for the battery. I know a guy who got his jet ski battery to last 8 seasons by doing so. Normally those die every year or two.

[harvey lee]

I only use my 4 wheeler during hunting season and the balance of the year it is in the shed hooked up to a smart charger. been doing it for years and my battery lasts so much longer rather than just sitting for 9 months straight.

friend keeps everything he does not use in the winter hooked up, lawnmower, mule, extra truck, tractor and whatever else he has. Not one problem in the last 12 years or so.

[Esox_Magnum]

My boat chargers are plugged in at all times the boats not in use