DC power supply to power 12v DC panel instead of batteries

[ChrisseH]

What kind of laptop do you have in your boat? A mini laptop? And how is it used? Is it always on? My HP laptop (with a 12DCV car charger) uses 4...8A depending on what it is used for, the screen brightness and whether it is charging its own (internal) battery. So it could easily consume as much as your fridge if it is always on.

[mickt243]

Originally Posted by Rugger

The inverter/charger has a feature the does that for maintenance. Its a 1-2 amp charge at something like 16v that cleans up the plates.

Doing that to a healthy battery is a good way to kill it. - blows active material off the plates, causes accelerated corrosion of the positive grid, and off gasses far too much water....

And if the battery was sulphated, low probability of this treatment helping, but still causes the above problems... also points to the charger not being good enough in the first place.

Follow jammers advice....

[john61ct]

Any good battery will have clear recommendations from the mfg indicating whether it should be regularly equalized or not, and if so the proper protocol for doing so.

I agree in this case a knowledgeable pro is called for, but it is better to acquire enough knowledge yourself to judge and oversee, many ignorant pro's out there.