On-Board Chargers?

[BobT]

I’m considering adding an on-board charger to my boat. I would want one that could be left plugged in for maintaining batteries without damaging them too. What do you guys like or dislike about the ones you use?

[Big Bobber]

As a follow up question, how many amps per bank should be considered to insure a full charge after a full day of fishing. I have a 12 volt trolling motor with 2 batteries hooked together and use the batteries most of the day, 12-15 hours per day.

Thanks

[Hookmaster]

Dual Pro with 10 amps per bank. My first 2-bank one is 15 years old and still going. It does not have any mounting restrictions and only gets warm to touch. Some other brands say to leave so much air space around it, etc.

[dan z]

what kind of bank charger would a guy need to charge a 36v system?

[hanson]

what kind of bank charger would a guy need to charge a 36v system?

3 bank, possibly 4 if you have a separate starter battery from your trolling batteries.

1 bank = 1 battery

[gixxer01]

We're looking at hooking up an MK-230 to Dad's boat in the next week or so. I've convinced him to throw an extra battery up front for his 12V TM. We've decided to run one bank for both batteries and just split the current at the battery selector switch he installed last year. We'll wire the batteries parallel and keep it 12V of course. The onboard charger should read/charge both batteries as one large 12V battery, correct? The only downfall is that it will take twice as long to charge 2 batteries as it will one. But 7.5 amps is still a good rate of charge.

Am I way off base?

[PerchJerker]

Most guys over-estimate how many amps they need to recharge their batteries. It's a combination of how far run-down your batteries are and how quickly you need to have them recharged before you go out again. 10 amps per bank are very popular charges and a good way to go. Many guys could get by with lower amp chargers too.

I agree with the 1 bank per battery approach. The worst thing about splitting a bank between multiple batteries is that a bad or weak battery will keep the charger from properly maintaining the batteries. A charger that monitors each bank individually and has only 1 battery connected per bank will do the best job of keeping your batteries in tip-top condition.

I like Dual Pro chargers and that's what I have in my own boat. Minn Kota makes an excellent charger too.

On-Board Chargers At Pro Fishing Supply

[harvey lee]

I run a 3 bank charger for 3 batteries and it has served me very well. I can recharge all the batteries overnight and be ready for the next day.

I do not remember the brand and the boat is in storage.

[Esox_Magnum]

I think I have owned them all, currently running a Minn Kota and works great, last was a Dual Pro and also a great one, only one I had a problem with was a Guest but it was several years old so maybe just wore out.

[BobT]

I appreciate all the replies. My brother-in-law uses a Minnkota and he really like his. After doing some research I'm inclined to support one of this site's sponsors and consider a Dual Pro Sportsman series. Thanks PerchJerker for the info.

[harvey lee]

Dave or PerchJerker will take care of you for sure. Dave is also very good at helping people out if they have installation questions.

[Musky_Madness]

+1 for minn Kota. Does a great job charging and maintaining with easy to read LCD displays.