Would I need one?

I am purchasing a new boat and motor and am wondering if I need an onboard charger. Is there anything in the new motors that keep the battery charged? It is a 90hp Johnson 2 stroke. I know I would need one to keep the front battery charged, but how about the one for the outboard? This is my first “nice fishing boat” with all the bells and whistles. The boat has a radio and lighter power source. While the motor is running, does it charge the battery? I really have no clue about the workings of a rig like this.

mustbefishing

Yes, your main motor, the 90 horse, does have an alternator that will charge your starting battery when it is running. Do not make the mistake of using your starting battery to power too many items in your boat that will run with the main motor turned off. Sooner or later, you’ll fish one spot a bit too long and your starting battery will be dead. Throw in an exta battery (or two in the case of a 24 v. system) to power trolling motors. You will need a seperate charger to recharge these batteries.

Thanks much James. I thought the 90 would have an alternator. I have a 55 auto pilot, how long do batteries typically last running those at low to medium power? I typically don’t fish a lot of current, so the only reason I would need high power would be wind. Any other info would be great.

A lot depends on the speed that you’re using your trolling motor and if you are useing it for trolling or fishing a bank ect. Also the size (amps) of the battery. I have the same motor. I don’t recall the size of the batteries, but since my boat (17’5″) had enough room for two batteries, I connected two of them in parrallel. This gave me the same 12v with a longer run time. I use the 55 ap for trolling constantly. Last year, the longest I was out was 8 hours without any sign of needing a recharge.

H20 was right about not connecting too many things to the starting battery. I have a gps, cell phone, depth finder and am/fm/cd player on my battery. Without the hassle of switching batteries around, it takes a long time to get back to the dock with a 55.

I hope you’ll just take my word for it on this!

At the least, I would reccommend a smaller onboard charger to maintain your trolling motor battery.

Charge Pro 2611 Waterproof Battery Charger by Guest

These charging systems feature components completely sealed in waterproof thermal epoxy to prevent damage and corrosion even when submerged, or during rough rides. Units have three-stage charging cycles for fast recovery, overload protection with automatic resets, LED lights to indicate charging status, and “Smart” technology that prevents battery damage even when the charger is left on. Can be left on for maintenance during storage. Use with all battery types, even gel cells and 12, 24-volt systems. Model 2611 two-bank charger measures 7-3/4″L x 5-1/8″W x 2-1/16″H. Accepts the 10-ft. wire extension for connecting a starting battery in the stern of the boat. Total output is 10 amps.

These run about $120.00 at Cabelas

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At the least, I would reccommend a smaller onboard charger to maintain your trolling motor battery.

Charge Pro 2611 Waterproof Battery Charger by Guest
These charging systems feature components completely sealed in waterproof thermal epoxy to prevent damage and corrosion even when submerged, or during rough rides. Units have three-stage charging cycles for fast recovery, overload protection with automatic resets, LED lights to indicate charging status, and “Smart” technology that prevents battery damage even when the charger is left on. Can be left on for maintenance during storage. Use with all battery types, even gel cells and 12, 24-volt systems. Model 2611 two-bank charger measures 7-3/4″L x 5-1/8″W x 2-1/16″H. Accepts the 10-ft. wire extension for connecting a starting battery in the stern of the boat. Total output is 10 amps.

These run about $120.00 at Cabelas

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Hey James- You supply the tools. We will use them.
Thank you !

Definately purchase an on-board charger if you can afford one, and definately do not overuse your starting battery as H2O said. I had to pull start a 4cyl. 50hp motor 10 miles out from camp on Lake of the Woods a couple years ago. I eventually got it going, but I couldn’t imagine pull starting a 90 hp motor.
On-board chargers take out all the hassle of pulling out, and putting in your batteries from the boat. If you can afford it buy a two bank charger so you’ll know that you’re starting battery is also getting charged. Good luck to ya.
SEDNERB

I have one of these chargers( talking about the “Charge Pro 2611 Waterproof Battery Charger by Guest”) on my Pro V. I charge 2 series 31 batteries that run in parallel, and it works super. I fish all day on the batteries and this charger will bring them up to full charge in about 8 hours. No muss, no fuss.

The boat I have now is my first boat with an onboard charger for the trolling motor batteries. After using it I would never want to go without one. Just plug it in after fishing and your batteries get charged. No more having to drag out a battery charger from the house and hooking it up to the batteries and charge them. So simple, so great. You will love it. PS. I also have a Johnson 90 [2001 model] and the alternator does a great job of charging the starter battery. Thanks, Bill