On-Board Chargers

[Redfish]

I just ordered an on-board charger for my new trolling motor batteries. Anyone out there got any experience with these units? I'm thinking they have to be easier than hooking up a "car charger" to the batteries (I will have two) each time I get back from fishing. I understand they are better for your batteries than the old car-type chargers anyway. There is a big difference in price, depending on the amp output. I just got a two-bank 10 amp (5 per bank) charger since I generally will not be fishing more than once a week and will not likely need to recharge in a hurry.

I usually do more research BEFORE purchasing, but the price was very reasonable on the unit I got (less than $80). All the reviews I could find were good. Any comments from those knowledgeable would be appreciated.

[Ed&Brenda]

What unit was it?

[redneckredfishr]

Redfish,

80 bucks is a good deal...

I have a Minn Kota charger - 105 to 110 bucks depending. I love it.

Onboard chargers are the way to go! :secret:

Will

[OBX Hokie]

Redfish,

I installed a guest 2-bank charger and it works well on overnight charges. I bought it from Cabelas.

I bought a universal holder for the charger plug that did not fit the plug from the charger. So much for universal. I did not check before installing the holder on my boat, so now I have a plug in my boat. Cabelas refunded my money. doesn't help the hole in my boat. They also helped me on some other parts. I left the adapter on the boat.

These holders are so you don't have to drape the cords from the charger over the boat. Just plug in to the side. Oh well. I was going to buy a guest adapter but I havent had a chance.

Remember, measure twice, cut once!

[218Elite08]

I have a 3 bank from Minn Kota in the Elite and a special edition 4 bank from Dual Pro for the Ranger. Just plug it in and walk away! *thumbsup*

[workinprogress]

Here's an interesting thread from the archives.
http://www.carolinaskiffowner.com/showthread.php?t=2138&highlight=onboard+chargers

Funny thing--In this old thread I was convinced I wasn't going to go with a permanently mounted onboard charger, but that is exactly what I wound up doing. I have not regretted that decision at all.

Here's another link. The most informative post in this thread for me is Shakespeare's explanation of why maintaining constant 100% charge on a battery extends it's lifespan.
http://www.carolinaskiffowner.com/showthread.php?t=3902&highlight=battery+life

[Slim to None]

that 5 amp per battery will be perfect for charging these 27 deep cycles!*thumbsup* they should be in sometime today, i'll give you a call.

[Redfish]

What unit was it?
It's a Guest 2611A. It's a two-bank 12V/24V 10 amp charger. They have them right now at Cabellas for $79. Also at Northwest Marine for $79. NW's shipping was a little cheeper, so that's where I ended up getting it. The higher-amp output chargers were considerably more, and the only advantage I could see to those was faster recovery (charging). I read some reviews on the Guest units, and they were almost all very positive.


I bought a universal holder for the charger plug that did not fit the plug from the charger. So much for universal. I did not check before installing the holder on my boat, so now I have a plug in my boat.

Remember, measure twice, cut once!
I have not bought a plug yet. I think what I am going to do is mount my charger on the rafters above my boat and put some sort of plug on the charger leads that I can just plug in once I have the boat backed into its stall in the stable. Although the charger is waterproof, that will keep it off the boat. I rarely go anywhere that I will be overnight away from home with the boat. I will decide on what plug setup to use once it comes in.

Here's an interesting thread from the archives.
http://www.carolinaskiffowner.com/showthread.php?t=2138&highlight=onboard+chargers

Funny thing--In this old thread I was convinced I wasn't going to go with a permanently mounted onboard charger, but that is exactly what I wound up doing. I have not regretted that decision at all.

Here's another link. The most informative post in this thread for me is Shakespeare's explanation of why maintaining constant 100% charge on a battery extends it's lifespan.
http://www.carolinaskiffowner.com/showthread.php?t=3902&highlight=battery+life

I was reading some of this and the literature that comes with the charger. According to what I read from these links and the literature, "car chargers" aren't able to really fully charge a battery, so you always only get about a 90% to 95% charge.

Thanks to all for all the post, and also to Slim for getting me a great deal on a couple of seiries 27 batteries.