on-board charger question

hey every1. i got a new boat this weekend and want to equip it with some on board chargers. i know i want 5 amp over the 3 amp unless i can get a deal on the 3 and i know that i need 2 2bank chargers because of where my batteries are located. my question is if any1 has a used charger 4 sale or knows where to get a good deal on 1 on the internet or something. also wondering what name brands are good and any other info u have on this type of charger. thanks for any info every1!

Jollyannsales.com

You will kick yourself if you go anything smaller than a 5 amp per bank. Many of us use a 2amp to maintain over the offseason so 3amp like you mentioned would leave you unhappy.

I used Jolly Ann when I outfitted my I-pilot system.

-Mark

I have been down the wicked road with on-board chargers and have learned that it’s worth the extra few bucks to go with Minn Kota. Very dependable and will save you money in the long run. I agree with Mark, nothing less than 5 amp per bank.

I have been down teh road of trying to save on chargers and now went to Minn-kota. best in the business.

I got mine from Jolly Ann as well. I would use them. But I see you reside in rochester. YOu could drive to Scheels in Mankato as they are having a sale starting today and I saw the Minnekota 210D on-sale for $99 (regular $139. get 2 of those and you won’t be disappointed.

How many batteries do you have in that boat that you need so many chargers?
And I’d never go less than 10 amps per bank.

if you regularly use the boat today and then park it over night 5amp is fine but use it hard this morn and then want it to go this afternoon better get the 10 amp and I also ? need for more than one charger, can get them with multiple banks and the battery that starts the motor should charge off the motor also mount it somewhere that you don’t pack all your gear tight to it, they don’t get excessively hot but do need some air, I always lift the cover over the batteries as they charge just for some ventilation just for peace of mind if nothing else.

i have a 24 volt minnkota system in the front of the boat and 2 batteries in the back that run the electronice,radios,and motor. that’s why i need 2 2bank chargers unless i move batteries all to the same location. keep the good advice coming guys it helps big time.

your back battries should be fine tied in paralell. The motor will maintain them just fine. I run 1 AGM for motor starting and all electronics and livewells it has not been a problem. 24 volt trolling motor on front. I ran pro mariner chargers but switched to minn kota. I have a 3 bank tied to rear but i have gone days without needing it for either battery. You can put a stealth charger in to maintain trolling batteries with big motor it is a pretty sweet deal if you run trolling motor alot. It will charge when you run big motor.

I run a minn-kota mk210 in my boat and a mk-315 in my fish house. both are 5amps pre bank. You shouldnt need a charger on your starting battery if you have an additional battery for accessories. I also just run my electronics and stero off of one side of my 24-volt system and it has never let me down. Just need to plan ahead on long trips if you can not charge at night. 2 good batteries have never let me down on a 2 day trip with out charging. Also minn-kota sells 15 foot extension leads for your application. My vote would be a 3 bank with extensions. just make sure nothing is on your starting batter other then the motor.

just ordered a mk-210 from scheels. great price on the unit so thanks to whoever recommended the deal there. thanks for all the advice guys hopefully u don’t c me broke down on the water with a dead battery. lol

This may be a dumb question, but at the moment my onboard charger is on the fritz. Im have to use my manual charger for the time being. It has a 2 amp and a 10 amp option. Is it better on the batteries to use the 2 amp or does it not matter?

The batteries last better w a 2amp recharge if you have the time to wait,but if you’re running the batteries down and you’re going out in the morning you’ll need to go w 10amps then Stan

James do you have a 12 or 24 volt system? I use a charger maintainer that puts out 1.5 amps on my starting battery (see pic) a 12 volt, works great to maintain the life of the battery, my optima is going on its 8th season. For my 24 volt trolling motor I use a 10 amp 2 back charger.