on-board chargers

[JMac]

I'm interested in getting an on-board charger for my two trolling motor batteries and my starting battery....I've looked at cabelas and bass-pro shops brands but am not sure on which brand to buy....anybody have any suggestions as to a real good model and/or a model to stay away from....

[Northlander]

Im happy with my Minkota.

[BD110]

Northlander,
Please make sure you show the charging set-up on your boat I'm also interested in getting one for my rig.
Talk to you soon, BD110

[Guest]

I have had mine for 4 yrs now and would recommend it to anyone. The one I ended up with is a guest? IT has 3 outputs, one 5amp and 2 10 amp for the trolling batteries. We spend a week up on lake of the woods chasing muskies from sun up to sun down with about a three hr break mid day. using the trolling motor typically 80% of the time and it can keep up to my needs.

[Moose-Hunter]

Hey there JMac...

I'm using a charger by a company called Guest. It's a three bank charger. Model 2623 I think. One bank for the starting battery (3A), and one for each of the two trolling batteries (10A each). 100% waterproof and that has been tested on numerous occasions. Charges two nearly flat trolling batteries in less than 4 hours. I highly recommend their products!!!

I first bought my charger back in 1997. About 6 months after I installed it... it just quit. And right before a trip. I called Guest and they told me to ship it out to them and they'd take a look at it and get back to me. I explained that I was just about to leave on a trip and there was no way (time wise) I was going to get my charger pulled out, shipped, fixed, returned and re-installed in just a few days. I reluctantly yanked my charger and got it in the mail... LESS THAN TWO DAYS later... A new charger shows up on my door step. With a note.. "Heard about your trip, here's a new charger. Have fun!" I'm sure my busted charger had not even reach them yet. When I got back from my trip, my old (now fixed) charger was waiting for me at home. With another note... "Hope all went well on your trip. We replaced your charger under warranty. Thanks for choosing Guest." I called Guest for an R.A. number to return the unit and was told to "keep it for your troubles". This charger ended up in another Fishing Minnesota member's boat. He got a very sweet deal by the way!!

How can you beat customer service like that? I believe this company really cares. I've had no problems with the new charger since and will DEFINATELY buy another one when it's time to upgrade my boat.

Sorry for the long post but I had to tell the story......

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M-H (aka: Dan)

[Norsky]

I also have a Guest charger. It works great, it also extends the life of the batteries since it is so easy to top them off with a full charge after each outing. I have two trolling motor batteries that are on year 5 since using the charger. Also remember to make sure the charger can get plenty of air circulating around it or it may get too warm which can shorten the life of it.

[BD110]

Hey Guys,
Where did you pick-up your Guest chargers? I looked for them at Gander in Duluth all I found were Minkota and one other brand.
Thanks for the info, BD110

[dfv87]

I bought my Minnekota this year and love it so far. chargers all my batteries at the same time and even I was able to install it. And I'm a banker with ZERO mechanical ability.