Use Portable Generator to Charge Batteries ?

[trimming out]

Need advice. Can I use my portable 1650 portable generator to act as shore power to my ProMariner 1230i battery charger? The thought being put a twist lock end on a short 12 gauge extention cord and run from the 11o volt of gen/invertor to my shore power connection. I have used the gen to charge up my batteries via the direct to battery cable supplied but thats a hassle and there is no over charge protection. Thanks guys.
( I have 2 deep cycle 12 volt house bats, and 2 large engine start bats.)

[motion30]

of course you can just be aware of c o and be smart On deck or swim platform is common place

[David M]

That would work although I would eventually put in the proper wiring so you no longer have to do it this way.

Overcharge protection comes from the battery charger if it is functioning correctly.

[trimming out]

thanks guys! Im buying 3 new batteries this week, seems 3 of 4 are really tired and its time to invest in new before I head out on a cruise. (one is new, bought last month to help starting side interstated cranking amps) anyway, Im looking at the interstate large RV seiries, seem a good value for the other 3. advice ?

[David M]

Just make sure they are all deep cycle batteries. Yes, deep cycle for your start batteries so that in case they ever run down quite far they will be less likely to be damaged. They will still start the engine just fine.

[GordMay]

The AC Neutral wire must be bonded to the safety Ground terminal, at the source of AC power. In the case of a generator, this will be at the generator.
Typically, a portable generator ground terminal is connected to: the frame of the generator, the metal non-current carrying parts of the generator, and the ground terminals of each receptacle; but (perhaps) NOT TO the Neutral.
Unless corrected, this will be an unsafe condition.

See also ➥ Powered by Google Docs

And ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...boat-9389.html

[Opie91]

Originally Posted by trimming out

Need advice. Can I use my portable 1650 portable generator to act as shore power to my ProMariner 1230i battery charger? The thought being put a twist lock end on a short 12 gauge extention cord and run from the 11o volt of gen/invertor to my shore power connection. I have used the gen to charge up my batteries via the direct to battery cable supplied but thats a hassle and there is no over charge protection. Thanks guys.
( I have 2 deep cycle 12 volt house bats, and 2 large engine start bats.)

Is the generator a 1650 watt continuous or peak? The 1230i manual does not state the amperage draw but calls for an 11 amp breaker which equals about 1320 watts. Granted that is at maximum charging current.

If that is a peak generator rate you may be near or over the maximum continuous rate.

BTW: I do the same thing with my boat. We have a 50 watt solar panel that keeps up just fine for weekends. But when we go away for a week running the generator for 2 hours every 3-4 days makes it so I do not have to be the light/radio nazi with my kids.