NOCO Genius AC Port Plug & Integrated Extension Cable

[danwig52]

I had the same question, hope you get an answer.. Mine is a 2011 PII

[bassinman2002]

I install one in my 15 P2, I put it in the port splashwell on the upper left side, requires a 2″ holesaw ( check measurement to be sure), check inside clearance before drilling ,because it will stick in a few inches I put mine as high and as close to the stern as possible. The unit has a small drain hole in it. you will need to drill 3 small ( 1/8 ” +/- ) for outside mounting. Total time to do job less than 15M. For some odd reason BCB would not install on order. Just put one in my 18 Caracal the only way to go, I have had them for over 25 years. 89 , 2000 gamblers 15 P2 and now 18 Caracal.

[catdude28]

Out of curiosity, what is the point of an external plug if:
1) The battery compartment lid needs to be left open during charging
2) The battery compartment lid should be opened to make sure the charger is on after plugging in
In other words, you have to open the lid, so why not just leave the plug in the compartment?

[Jones TrollingMotor]

Biggest advantage is you don’t have to worry about the charger cord being “loose” in the bilge, or if you have a plug holder you don’t have to make sure to plug the charger into the holder.

[bassinman2002]

The battery compartment does not have to be left open, especially if you are using all AGM’s. They do not give off fumes as they are a all position battery, they can be run upside down. I have had no problems in over 25 years. When you plug in power to the rig you will hear a slight pop as the juice flows. BCB is one of a few boat builders that does not install them.

[dbheadley]

Bassinman, do you possibly have a picture of the finished product in your PII? That would be great.

[Jones TrollingMotor]

bassinman2002 wrote: The battery compartment does not have to be left open, especially if you are using all AGM’s. They do not give off fumes as they are a all position battery, they can be run upside down. I have had no problems in over 25 years. When you plug in power to the rig you will hear a slight pop as the juice flows. BCB is one of a few boat builders that does not install them.

AGMs do give off some Hydrogen while charging. AGMS (Absorbed glass Mat) are a type, or also known as Valve regulated lead / acid batteries According to ABYC:

10.7.9
A vent system or other means shall be provided to permit the discharge from the boat of hydrogen gas released by the battery.
10.7.10
Battery boxes, whose cover forms a pocket over the battery, shall be vented at the uppermost portion of the cover.
NOTE TO 10.7.9 and 10.7.10: These requirements also apply to installations of all batteries whether they employ removable vent caps, non-removable caps, are “sealed” or “maintenance free” batteries, or have pressure regulated valve vent systems with immobilized electrolyte (gel batteries).
Location of Batteries and Battery Charger (see ABYC E-10, Storage Batteries). Consideration should be given to the following:
– Adequate ventilation should be provided to the bank of batteries to limit the temperature rise during the charging. Sealed valve regulator batteries do allow escape of hydrogen gasses during overcharging; therefore, SVR batteries require the same precautions for ventilation as wet (flooded) batteries.

[bassinman2002]

Jones trolling motor, interesting read, different from what I have read. Does the pressure regulated valve vent system allow the battery to be use as all position. My main purpose in using all AGM’s was to stop the gas and acid from messing up the battery hold downs.

[bassinman2002]

dbheadly, I will get a pic in the next few days. the boat is at the lake.

[Jones TrollingMotor]

bassinman2002 wrote: Jones trolling motor, interesting  read, different from what I have read. Does the pressure regulated valve vent system allow the battery to be use as all position. My main purpose in using all AGM’s was to stop the gas and acid from messing up the battery hold downs.

Yes, it still allows the batteries to be used in any position.

[bwp777]

I put one on my bug a few weeks ago and it is a great product.
I will take a pic and try to post or send it to someone who can.
it is the very best way I have seen so far and I like the fact that I can leave the lids closed and locked while charging.
I put mine in the center of the transom area so the positioning of the boat isn’t as critical

[oldtimer57]

As stated, do NOT leave the bilge closed. ANY battery can vent given the right circumstances. AGMs are simply a special case of flooded cells where the liquid is absorbed into a glass mat rather than being freely suspended in a cell. Even lithium batteries can vent and when they do you do NOT want that to be contained inside the bilge (they can vent acetone fumes which are right flammable and corrosive).

These plugs are great for convenience. Nice to not have to dig down inside the bilge to locate a dropped charger power cord. But they are not intended to eliminate proper venting.

[TAKFishing]

oldtimer57 wrote: As stated, do NOT leave the bilge closed.  ANY battery can vent given the right circumstances.  AGMs are simply a special case of flooded cells where the liquid is absorbed into a glass mat rather than being freely suspended in a cell.  Even lithium batteries can vent and when they do you do NOT want that to be contained inside the bilge (they can vent acetone fumes which are right flammable and corrosive).

These plugs are great for convenience.  Nice to not have to dig down inside the bilge to locate a dropped charger power cord.  But they are not intended to eliminate proper venting.

So if you are on the road somewhere and are charging overnight, and need to leave the bilge open then I guess using your security system is out of the question…

[oldtimer57]

TAKFishing wrote:

oldtimer57 wrote: As stated, do NOT leave the bilge closed.  ANY battery can vent given the right circumstances.  AGMs are simply a special case of flooded cells where the liquid is absorbed into a glass mat rather than being freely suspended in a cell.  Even lithium batteries can vent and when they do you do NOT want that to be contained inside the bilge (they can vent acetone fumes which are right flammable and corrosive).

These plugs are great for convenience.  Nice to not have to dig down inside the bilge to locate a dropped charger power cord.  But they are not intended to eliminate proper venting.

So if you are on the road somewhere and are charging overnight, and need to leave the bilge open then I guess using your security system is out of the question…

It is a definite problem.  Mine simply stays open, but I don’t have a security system to worry with…

I don’t know if you can rig up a vent through the two scoops on the back, but I would be concerned about using anything other than a marine-approved non-arcing electric motor to avoid a bigger problem.  🙂

[oldtimer57]

Most of the time, all you get is extra corrosion in the bilge. Takes months or years depending. Occasionally you get a “boom” or a fire. Not sure there is a good reason to take that risk.

For the record, I see quite a few people smoking while fueling their car or boat, with no harmful effects. But there is that one case that ends tragically here and there.

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