battery charging question.

[keithdog]

I was making a repair to my Motor Guide trolling motor the other day. As I was paging through the owners guide, I came across the section of "don't do's". Most were obvious things like not to use the motor as hedge shears. But one item I read caught my attention. It said "to disconnect the trolling motor from the battery before charging the battery." I'm not sure if there is really any reason to do so, unless they are thinking someone might leave the trolling motor on while charging the battery. I don't own a bassboat with multiple batteries but I'm pretty sure those who do, do not disconnect their batteries from the trolling motors battery cables when they are recharging the batteries. I have a 12 foot jonboat with a transom mounted trolling motor. I would just rather leave the motors cabels attched to the battery and charge them at the end of the day still attached rather than disconnecting them each time I charge the battery. Is there any real reason to disconnect the cables when charging the battery?

[nofearengineer]

I'm pretty sure this is just as a precaution against an over-volt situation, which could damage the trolling motor, however unlikely. Some attorney for Motorguide probably came up with this as their CYA note, since they have no control over the quality of battery charger you choose to use. Use a good reputable brand of charger and it shouldn't be an issue.