I’m looking to purchase on an on-board charger for my boat. I currently run 1 battery for starting, 1 for trolling & the 3rd battery is back up for trolling & runs electronics.. I assume a 3 bank would be best. Anyone have any experience with these ? Right now I have only seen the ones avail in Bass Pro Shops.. Other have mentioned Jolly marine as a good source.. Any recommendations on models ? Type ? Pricing ? Etc.. Thanks.
Could you get away with a 2 bank? I am assuming you have an alternator on your motor that charges the starting battery. If that is the case, you would only need a 2 bank and will save some money. I currently am running a MinnKota brand and so far I really like it. Check with Wade and see what he has available. I can’t be without an on-board charger anymore, they are definitely the cat’s meow 
I would definitely run a 3-bank charger. Look at Minnkota, Guest, or Charge Pro. I have had both Minnkota and Guest and they both worked well. I strongly recommend the 3-bank as you have to have a larger outboard(90hp and up) to charge the starting batteries. The motor has to run up to 30 minutes to start charging as well. Good luck and it is an investment you will be glad that you made and will have in every boat from now on. 690reece
I thought you might find this link handy as you ponder what to buy: http://www.batterystuff.com/tutorial_chargers.html
I bought one from Bass Pro last year after using a portable charger for years. It was absolutely worth the cost. It was simple to mount and works great. I see the MinnKotas now have a rebate also.
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I’m looking to purchase on an on-board charger for my boat. I currently run 1 battery for starting, 1 for trolling & the 3rd battery is back up for trolling & runs electronics.. I assume a 3 bank would be best. Anyone have any experience with these ? Right now I have only seen the ones avail in Bass Pro Shops.. Other have mentioned Jolly marine as a good source.. Any recommendations on models ? Type ? Pricing ? Etc.. Thanks.
If all our batteries are about the same age, I would prefer to go for a 3 bank. I know that this year Minnkota that has a 3 bank that is less than USD200. I think that it is a great deal. Saw it at Cabelas. Check their online catalogue. MK 315 for USD149. On the other hand, you could buy a one bank charger MK106 for the starting batt and a 2 bank charger MK210 for the 2 deep cycles. Some people think it might be worthwhile to separate your charging of the starting and deep cycle batteries. But with the new MK315, it does not make logistical or economic sense to buy separate chargers. I would recommend that you go the MK315 route. Running the wires could be a little pain tho’ if your boat does not provide good access. A cable “snake” that you buy from fleet farm or Mernards would be of great help in passing wires. Good luck!
Whatever you do, I would strongly getting an onboard charger. Kept up batteries charged up all winter….din have to worry about it at all.
TheodoreNugget, I think I got a phone message from you Friday and plan to call you Monday. Sorry for the delay on the call.
I was going to suggest the Minn Kota MK 315 battery charger for $149. I like these MK chargers and they have a Three Year Warranty as well. And one more bonus, there is a $25 Mail-in Rebate on the MK 315.
If you want a faster charge, you could bump up to the the MK 330 (and it has a $35 rebate).
Let me know if I can help.
Thank you!
Can’t go wrong with a Guest. I’m not up on current models since I have only bought one and that was several years ago.
Still working fine.
We’ve been running ProMariner three bank chargers….they have worked great for a few years now…used to run Guest and Dual Pro before that…
ProMariner has a huge selection for different chargers…. I think it’s http://www.promariner.com but not sure….
You guys are great. As soon as the smoke (wife) settles from the large lot of crankbaits I’ve purchased, I think the Jolly $149 is the way for me. Thanks for the education as always !!
Fish on !!!!!!!
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