2014 SC25 BATTERY TURNED OFF-BILGE PUMP-CHARGING

[Steadfast]

New owner. The dealer suggested when we leave the boat to turn off the (4) battery switches to kill all power and prevent discharge.

Question: With the battery switches turned off, do the batteries continue to charge when attached to shore power? I assume the auto bilge continues to function on shore power.

Another auto bilge question: I remember reading not to turn the bilge fuse breaker switch to the "ON" position. It will put the bilge into a constant on and burn out the unit. Even with the switch turned "OFF" the bilge will continue to function in the auto mode. Is this correct?

Thank you for your thoughts.

 

[BradOwens]

We turn off the engine start and thruster batteries, and leave the house batteries on. The batteries will charge either way. I believe the bilge pumps run off the engine start battery, and will work with the switches off.

 

[Osprey]

The batteries will charge with the all the battery switches in the off position. I always turn off all the battery switches during periods during which the boat is unattended. You are correct in stating that the bilge switch at the helm should normally be left in the off position. The pump switch at the helm station is only intended for use during operator supervision of bilge pumping. The pumps should not be run dry for a prolonged period. Prolonged dry operation may cause the pump motor to overheat and fail. The pumps have a separate power circuit with on/off control via water sensing devices locates in the bilge. This circuit is directly wired to the house batteries. This automatic operation does not depend upon the boat being connected to shore power with the battery charger on. However, without charging being present, a prolonged leak of water into the boat can drain the house batteries with subsequent flooding and sinking.

 

[knotflying]

Check to see where your fuses are for the bilge pumps. Sometimes that are wired differently. I have seen them on any of the battery banks.