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[david48]

I intend using SLA 12v 9Ah or maybe 12Ah all depends on space . Going to put in charging sockets and have been looking at DC panel mount sockets Comp Shop sell two different sizes 2.5 and 2.1 . Will these be ok ,I am using a drawing supplied by DM. Sorry Apparently there is no  e in using wife looking over shoulder.

[essex2visuvesi]

I've seen brass bollards used as charging posts.... completely discreet :)

[david48]

Food for thought . On Fairmount Alpine there are a lot .
david

[oldiron]

The forward bollards on my Amsterdam are brass, and I use them for charging. Aligator clips are used to connect the charger to the bollards.

John

[Netleyned]

The brass bollards are a good way to go.
make sure the polarity is marked somehow.
If your charger has a DC plug get the same size socket and hide it.
You can always make a lead from the DC plug to a pair of crock clips
if you go the brass bollard route.


Tell the Wife there's no E in Charging either 


Ned

[inertia]

I intend using SLA 12v 9Ah or maybe 12Ah all depends on space . Going to put in charging sockets and have been looking at DC panel mount sockets Comp Shop sell two different sizes 2.5 and2.1 . Will these be ok ,I am using a drawing supplied by DM. Sorry Apparently there is no  e in using wife looking over shoulder.

David
Either size will do the job.
DM

[Colin Bishop]

One potential disadvantage to using exposed metal fittings is that if you inadvertently short circuit them then you have an instant smoke machine!

I prefer to conceal the jack plug socket under a small hatch or something similar which can just be lifted off without removing the superstructure.

Colin

[malcolmfrary]

If using exposed metal as a charging connector, wire them through a bridge rectifier something like this - http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/kbpc606-6a-bridge-rectifier-ar81c - will ensure that accidentally shorting them will do nothing, and you don't have to remember which is which regarding connecting the charger clips.  If charging in situ, it is always a good idea to have a nice big ventilation path to the outside of the boat so that any venting products have somewhere to go.

[Bob K]

I much prefer in-situ charging, even for more electrically complicated ships. 
This one has four separate charging sockets in recesses plugged with 10 mm neoprene, and fully water proof switches.



Just lift off the magnetically secured f'o'c's'le deck, the two black plugs, and loosen one vent screw.
No need to disturb any of the electrics or the watertight hatches.

[Buccaneer]

I join my Battery to its next port of call, usually an Action P92/P107 Power distribution Board or P103 Parallel Power Board, using a Tamiya connector. I have a Female on the Battery but that is just the way my first boat was wired. I have a Male Tamiya as the Charger output. By removing the appropriate hatch I simply disconnect the Battery, plug in the Charger, and let it do it's thing. With the hatch off ventilation is not a problem. I now have a one system fits all set-up.

I must say that all my boats are 30"-48" Tugs and Cargo Boats and the layout can be designed to be easily accessible but with a long enough lead it should fit most boats.

John

[david48]

Thanks for all the input I will order the gear to do the job .
David

[NFMike]

If using exposed metal as a charging connector, wire them through a bridge rectifier something like this - http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/kbpc606-6a-bridge-rectifier-ar81c - will ensure that accidentally shorting them will do nothing, and you don't have to remember which is which regarding connecting the charger clips.

Bear in mind that doing this 'loses' about 1.4 Volts (two diode drops).
If you have an automatic charger that terminates on voltage or your charger doesn't have much voltage headroom over the battery then you won't get a full charge.

[Southern Sailor]

I am interested in the charge in-situ situation.  I will have two 12V 7Ah SLAs at the pond and when the one is flat (takes quite a while I am hoping) put the other in.  When I get home I understood that it is a good thing to take the battery out and charge it outside the boat.  Or are you using a lower capacity battery?  Any comment? Happy sailing.  Brian