Dual Pro Charger Installation

[bobberal]

I am installing a Dual Pro Charger on my LUND 1800 Fisherman.

Is there anything I should do special when rigging this?

I will be charging the batteries when the boat is sitting in the water at my dock and want to make sure there is no problem with this.

Thanks in advance.

[mamohr686]

Just follow the directions with the charger, it's very easy. My dual pro has an external plug-in, so I can keep my compartments locked and still charge my batteries. installation is a little more complicated if you have an external plug-in and battery charge readout. Don't alter any wires, and balance the weight as best you can with the heavy charger(ie put it on the port side if you usually fish by yourself). I would suggest getting rid of any wingnuts and and using stainless locknuts on the batteries (you won't need to be pulling batteries now anyway). Don't forget to uplug your trolling motor while charging. Finally, I would suggest that put some kind of metal fastners on your dock to hold any extension cord to prevent them from falling into the lake.

[TSCTSC]

Why must u unplug the trolling motor when charging?>

[bobberal]

Thanks,

I was just worried if the boat sits in the water all the time it might need special grounding.

[tomfromblaine]

it may be recommended in owners manual / safty reasons, there is also a remote chance of a voltage spike during the plug-in / unplugging process which could damage trolling motor internals-circut boards or what ever, some real marine electronics guys would know of any other implications, hope this helps some.

[bobberal]

Good point thanks.

[Dave]

I would make sure it's a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) circuit that's going to be running the charger.

[Satchmo]

tomfromblaine is right, the main reason to unplug during charging is to avoid the possibility of a power surge frying the mother board inside the motor. It's a great habit to get in to, especially when using dock power sources that may or may not be surge protected.

[TSCTSC]

OK..but I just re read the manual for the trolling motor last night and it said that "unplug the trolling motor whenever you are charging the battery unless you are using Minnkota Battery charger." Can someone also verify the truth of this statement in the manual? THanks

[Giant_Jackpot]

Although it is probably good practice, I don’t think power surges will ever hurt your trolling motor. Two reasons:

1. A power surge would have to make it through the charger and then the battery. If the surge is big enough, it is going to fry the charger first.

2. A battery is essentially a gigantic surge suppressor (capacitor) itself. Absorbing whatever might be left that made it through the charger

Again, I am not saying it is a bad idea because anything can happen, but the chances are remote. Do you disconnect your outboard from the starter battery before charging it? Nope, and there are a lot of electronics in the motor to worry about too………