Question?? Do you guys leave your onboard chargers plugged in all the time? I always plugged mine in just once a week to top off the batteries when not in use, then unplug. I'm worried about a possible of a fire from batteries over heating if left in. In case it matters, I have a 2014 Legend Alpha 211.

I leave my on board charger on most all the time. Never have had a problem.

I'm with you on this. I never leave mine on. Just top them off before I go. If your close to the boat why take the chance?

Most are designed to deep charge, then float charge continually after the batteries have reached peak charge. The main thing is to keep an eye on the battery water level AFTER charging, if they are not sealed batteries. If they are sealed AGM style batteries, they are not serviceable in that respect.

On a side note, my father in law burned his house down using an old charger from the 50's. Lol. So just make sure the battery charger is designed for the application and don't worry about it.

Thanks for the feed back guys.

I have always been told to charge then unplug!

Always plugged in and watch water levels as long as I can remember. I'm 62 so i don't remember long any more.

I leave mine in Once it reaches max it trickle charges.

How do you know when you need to replace your onboard
battery charger? (besides the obvious......batteries
are dead) Is there something that is a tell that you need
a new one?

If you have boat in storage, miles from home, then you have
no choice but to leave it plugged in.

Unplug after they reach full charge. This will extend the life of the battery as well as keep them from going dry and exploding ! IMO

Most marketed as marine are battery chargers/maintainers. They specifically charge, then maintain/monitor without constantly trying to over charge. They are designed to always be plugged in. Genius chargers are pretty good at this and the pulse charging extends battery life.

I charge mine fully right after I'm done fishing then unplug. Then I'll top it off again the night before I plan to go depending on how long it's been sitting since the last charge. I keep mine in storage about 15 minutes from the house so I don't like to leave it plugged in 24/7

I plug mine in and leave it. The charger I have is designed for this. I have had the same TM batteries for over two years and they are going strong.
I am more concerned about the wall warts for charging phones than I am the boat charger.

Wrong.
Right.

Straight out of my Pro Pack Charger manual that came with my Alpha 211. Note step #4. It's there for a reason. I've heard of plenty of boats as well as the structures they were in or near that went up in smoke. I won't risk it.