Honda Generator to charge trolling motor battery's?

[Northlander]

Hey guys I have a question. Im going to Canada in a few days and have access to a Honda EM600 generator. I believe its 600 watts. AC/DC adaptor with gator clips etc.

My questions is if I plug my onboard charger into it is that safe and how long can I expect a drained battery to take to charge fully?

Im assuming its safe but I have never done this before.

The resort Im staying at has no dock power and I dont want to have to carry my batteries up to the cabin to charge them. The generator is MUCH lighter. I can also run my electric filet knife off it. Sweat!

[BIG DS]

It should be safe as long as you don't drop the generator in the water. Just kidding. There should be a maximum draw rating on the charger. Make sure that does not exceed the generator output. I'm assuming this is a gas powered generator.

This is mostly based on a 10 amp charger, but, if it is completely discharged, expect 8 hours or more otherwise, 4 to 6. Most onboard chargers have an automatic shut down circuit in them so once the battery is full, the charger will shut off. You could leave the generator idle all night if you felt comfortable doing that.

Is it too far to run an extension cord from the nearest outlet? Is there power where you are staying? Would the generator bother other people or are you the only ones staying there? Could you set the generator on shore and run a cord to the boat?

[Northlander]

Its a Gas powered Honda Generator so you can barely hear this little bugger. The docks are a few blocks from the cabin so a cord is a no go. Ill just set it in the boat and charge it up. This will be done mid day so it wont bother anyone. Its so quiet I dont think I could hear it on the beach.

My charger is a 20amp charger that puts 10amps to each of the 2 trolling battery's. I could always bring my battery charger and plug that into the generator if need be.

[Dave]

Watch where the generator exhaust is pointing, if you run it in the boat

[Northlander]

Very good point but I wonder how much exhaust this little thing will have? Anyways I will make sure to keep it clear of my carpet and away from my gas tank etc. Thanks for that heads up.

[Chris Haley]

I just got off the phone with Dual Pro, I have a 20 amp two bank charger. They recomend a 1500w generator for the 20 amp models. I would try it at home before you head out to make sure it's going to work for you. If anything, you could charge one batt. at a time with alligator clips on the generator, they should be 12v anyway.

[Northlander]

Thats what I was wondering if it had enough power to do both at 1 time. I think Ill bypass the onboard charger and use the clips on the generator or plug my charger into it.

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

[nytelyter]

i would try it before i go i am thinking that the charger will draw to much amps to function properly 600 watt aint much power i have a 1000 watt that says to run no more than 800 watts constent draw runs the fishhouse ok but add a tv and it wont hold it steady but like i said try it before you go to be sure and mine also has a 12 volt output but i would not use this for the batterys cause on mine it is high output and unregulated and says not to hook up for more than 3-5 mninutes or may cause battery damage

[Surface Tension]

How secure is this dock? I think an unattended generator like that left running would be saying "come steal me". Which poses another problem. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving the thing running without me around.

I think your only running one battery for your electronics and one as a starter. The starting battery shouldn't need a charge. That leaves you with the only having to charge one battery. I collaspable truck(dolly) or two wheel cart would make hauling the battery back to your cabin a snap. You'll need something to carry your tackle box, rods, depth finder and cooler to your cabin anyway.

[Hemlock]

Northlander, I think ST has a good point, but for what it's worth I came across a little Honda generator in a boat on the weekend at the dock. I did not hear it, until I looked in the boat and saw it there. It was then I heard it and couldn't beleive how quiet it was. I know that doesn't help you out, but I just wanted to say how impressively quiet those little things are! Have a good trip.

[Giant_Jackpot]

Just remember that 10 amps at 12 volts is less wattage than 10 amps at 120 volts.

10 amps at 12 volts = 120 watts

10 amps at 120 volts = 1200 watts

A 600 watt generator will have plenty of power to run the on board charger.

[Northlander]

A dolly is out of the question because I have to walk threw about 40 yards of sand before I get to a dirt road. I usually back my truck down to the beach and toss everything in if I have too much to carry.

Ya Hemlock those Hondas are super quiet. This thing sounds like a old trolling motor I once had.

Frank I have 4 batterys on board. 1 starter, 2 trolling up front and 1 in back next to the starting battery. That way I can run the Bow mount and transom mounts if I need. Lots of weight to carry in Trolling motor batterys. Im hoping I catch my fish quick enough that I wont have to run them all day. Last year I had to charge up once and carrying those Interstates to the cabin sucked.

[kwkfsh]

Charging Systems International Pro Xtra II. End of problem. This unit is one of the best kept secrets in boating.

[Northlander]

So what is it and how does it work?

[kwkfsh]

This unit hooks onto your starting battery and the 2 trolling batteries. It takes the charge from the O/B's alternator and charges the starting battery first then puts the alt output into the trolling batteries.

I have used one for years and rarely have to hook the deep cycles up to a charger, maybe 2 or 3 times a year.

[Northlander]

Can you send me some contact info? [email protected]

[ozzy]

Northlander you have mail.

[tashit]

Quote:

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This unit hooks onto your starting battery and the 2 trolling batteries. It takes the charge from the O/B's alternator and charges the starting battery first then puts the alt output into the trolling batteries.

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I have been "looking" for something like this for quite some time. Actually I haven't done too much searching, mostly trying to think of a way to make that work. I will have to look into this.

[kwkfsh]

Google either Pro Xtra II or Charging Systems International and you will find all the info that you need.

They run about $99 and hook up in a matter of minutes if you do not have to extend the wiring.