On Board Battery Charger Questions

  • gut_hooked
    Posts: 14
    June 21, 2012 at 1:16 pm #1238998

    Thinking about a two bank on-board charger for my boat. Never had an on-board before so I have a few questions.

    1) Do on-boards function as maintainers in the off season? Do you leave them plugged in all winter?

    2) What size would be recommended for a two battery setup?
    (Both Optimas, one deep cycle, one combo starter/deep cycle).

    3) Any brands better than others?

    4) Any rigging concerns?

    Thanks guys,
    Guthooked

    BBKK
    IA
    Posts: 4033
    June 21, 2012 at 1:19 pm #1077671

    Quote:

    Thinking about a two bank on-board charger for my boat. Never had an on-board before so I have a few questions.

    1) Do on-boards function as maintainers in the off season? Do you leave them plugged in all winter?

    2) What size would be recommended for a two battery setup?
    (Both Optimas, one deep cycle, one combo starter/deep cycle).

    3) Any brands better than others?

    4) Any rigging concerns?

    Thanks guys,
    Guthooked

    Get the minnkota 10amp 2 bank and you can leave it plugged in 24/7/365

    Takes 10 minutes to install, including a 5 minute beer break.

    kroger3
    blaine mn
    Posts: 1116
    June 21, 2012 at 1:27 pm #1077674

    1-you can but if your in cold storage I would remove the batteries.
    2-depends how hard you run your batteries and how quick you need them to recover. MK-210D by minn kota is 10 amps across 2 banks so 5 per bank
    3-minn kota MK-210D gets my vote or MK-220D if you need a little quicker recovery
    4-simple to hook up

    I run a MK-210 and my only issue is when running long days muskie fishing I do not quite get enough recovery with only charging 5-7 hours at night. When I am fishing several days in a row I will end up running my batteries dead. For my style of fishing the MK-220D will be my next charger just have not spent the money yet but I will need to by fall.

    suzuki
    Woodbury, Mn
    Posts: 18625
    June 21, 2012 at 1:33 pm #1077677

    I’m a big fan of Guest but any sealed unit would be good. As far as connecting off season. I wouldnt leave them connected. They SHOULD be ok but many a fire has started from unattended battery chargers. I have onboard chargers in 3 boats. I plug them in when done fishing and unplug when full the next day.

    Brian Klawitter
    Keymaster
    Minnesota/Wisconsin Mississippi River
    Posts: 59992
    June 21, 2012 at 1:41 pm #1077681

    Gut,

    Keep in mind the lower the amp charge, the better for the battery but the longer it takes to charge the batteries. I think that’s worth repeating.

    I’m running the Minnkota 10 amp three bank. One lead for each of the trolling motor batteries and one to the starting battery. Running the wires takes the longest. Try to keep the charger in an area that doesn’t get wet from rain (or forgetting to put your plug in )

    Keep your battery contacts clean and check the water levels x 2 per year minimum and you’ll be a happy man for a long time.

    Don’t forget to get the rebate info for the Minnkota chargers!

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    June 21, 2012 at 1:46 pm #1077683

    Get the minnkota 10amp 2 bank and you can leave it plugged in 24/7/365

    Takes 10 minutes to install, including a 5 minute beer break.

    fireline
    Rochester
    Posts: 813
    June 22, 2012 at 12:11 am #1077913

    Quote:

    Im a big fan of Guest but any sealed unit would be good. As far as connecting off season. I wouldnt leave them connected. .

    X2

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