On-Board vs. Portable Charger??

[tafadzwa]

I trailer my boat since I have nowhere to dock it and am leaning towards a portable charging system rather than an on-board charger. Does anyone know which portable charger is the most effective/reliable? Someone tried to sell me a Vector the other day, but I don't know much about them.

What advantages are offered by the on-board systems besides convenience and dual charging capabilities?

thanks

[delmuts]

taf. if you can plug in a portable then you could use an on board. then all you have to do is run a cord to the boat and plug it in.

[tafadzwa]

thanks-but if I am not within extension cord length of an outlet and I have to bring the batteries inside somewhere to charge them, what would be the best portable charger?

[danfall]

No power, use a solar charger. Get a good one with overcharge limiter, etc.

I've heard nothing but good about them. Especially dockside guys love 'em. I talked with one guy and he never had to charge batteries once all season.

[Rost]

If you only have a 12 volt system, the you will be fine. If you have a 24 volt system, then you'd need two portable chargers to take care of your batteries on a fishing trip.

One of the best advantages is the size. Compact, you hardly know it's even there.

[Giant_Jackpot]

Guest makes a truly portable charger that works just like the on-board units. I think they have 6 and 10 amp. Check West Marine.

[Chev_trucks501]

Taf,

There are many mfgs of portable chargers out there. If you are bringing your batteries in every night then a portable is the way to go as you would have no need for a on board charger. On boards are nice because you don't really have to do anything. Just plug in and leave. But like I said if you are luggin already then get a portable. I have used alot of them and the one I like the most was my Minn-Kota. It is a 10amp Charger. Usually will charge 1 battery to full charge in 6-10 hours. If you have more than 1 battery then you will need more than 1 charger. Just make sure that the charger you pick up is a 3 stage charger...(Bulk, Absorption and Maintenance). Basically this will ensure that your batteries never get over charged! The charger itself will goto a maintenance mode and maintain a full charge without sending additional high output amps to the battery. Hope this helps.

Good Luck

Chev

[leechlake]

I have an onboard charger now, but on my old boat I charged the 24 volt system by plugging a reverse charging adaptor into the trolling motor plug, hooking it up to a portable charger and charged both batteries at once with one charger. Always worked for me.

[Giant_Jackpot]

One other thing to consider is to just go ahead and buy an on board now in anticipation you may need one later. The only difference I can see is that with a portable you get a handle to carry it otherwise it is just a small box with a bunch of wires………

[rmh2o]

I do the same thing leechlake said.I have an extra bow mount plug that I hook the portable charger to and it charges both batteries at the same time.My old battery charger died last week and ended up buying a Vector 2-10-20 at Walmart for $60 yesterday.On board chargers are convienient but a portable charger does the same thing for less money.

[Sgt. Rock]

Any opinions on where to locate the charger in the boat? Have a "01" Mr. Pike 16 and looking at a 3 bank unit. Rear battery for starter and center and front battery hooked to trolling motor. Any issues on extending the wiring long distance. And what size wire?

[Sgt. Rock]

ttt