Starter battery switch on or off?

[palle]

I just went through several posts here that says to turn off the engine battery rotary switch when not using the boat. I have always left the engine battery switch on after getting back to my slip. The boat is connected to shore power and the battery charger is on. Would it be better to turn the starter battery rotary switch off in this scenario and if so why? Thank you.

 

[doke01]

I only shut it off in the winter. I'm guessing some people do it because they worry about fires or shorts that could damage the battery or maybe they don't use the boat that often and are worried about discharge. I use my boat often in season and visit the boat virtually every day and the risk of the above is pretty low. I'd rather find out there was a short or some other issue at the dock, not after I turned on the switch and left the dock.

 

[palle]

Hi doke01, nice to know I’m not the only one leaving the switch on. Thanks for your post.

 

[tjiann]

I always leave it on. When not in use, I'm connected to shore power.

 

[knotflying]

When not in use I always turn off all switches. One never knows what can happen so why take a chance.