Re-charging

  • Whirly01
    Posts: 36
    July 18, 2012 at 3:29 pm #1278202

    OK, another informal survery: When I first got my fishing boat the dealer told me to always unplug the trolling motor before plugging in the on-board battery charger. I’ve always done this. But, recently I moved up to Terrova I-Pilot (awesome!), and i would swear the owners manual said to unplug the trolling motor, unless you have a Minn Kota on-baord charger (which I do). So, what do other people do out there? Do you leave your trolling motor plugged in when re-charging? Has anyone had problems from doing this? I would love to leave my bow and transom Minn Kota’s plugged in since that would be one less thing to remember when prepping the boat… Thanks for your reply.

    Ralph Wiggum
    Maple Grove, MN
    Posts: 11764
    July 18, 2012 at 3:33 pm #1085332

    I try to remember to unplug the TM, but that doesn’t always happen.

    jetro
    Mayer, MN
    Posts: 314
    July 18, 2012 at 3:34 pm #1085333

    Ditto

    dfresh
    Fridley, MN
    Posts: 3053
    July 18, 2012 at 3:43 pm #1085338

    I just bought a brand new accessory battery, and it was always losing charge. The other night, I noticed there was a little red light on on my older Minkota, so I disconnected it, and now I don’t have the problem with the battery

    BBKK
    IA
    Posts: 4033
    July 18, 2012 at 3:44 pm #1085339

    Honestly mine is hardwired to the batteries (through a breaker of course) so I can not unplug mine. I have never had a problem charging with my minnkota. Just dont turn the motor on while its plugged in. I leave my onboard plugged in 24/7 unless im fishing.

    mark-bruzek
    Two Harbors, MN
    Posts: 3867
    July 18, 2012 at 3:56 pm #1085347

    Never unplug mine, stays on the charger.

    sandmannd
    Posts: 928
    July 18, 2012 at 4:07 pm #1085350

    I always unplug mine. Not sure if you have to or not, I just do.

    dragon_em_in
    Posts: 41
    July 18, 2012 at 4:12 pm #1085354

    I try to remember to unplug, but sometimes I forget.

    Wade

    hookem
    Hastings,Minn.
    Posts: 1027
    July 18, 2012 at 4:24 pm #1085362

    I alway unplug mine before charging the batteries. Seems to me I read in a Minnkota manual to always do this.

    bigweav
    Cedar Rapids, Iowa
    Posts: 182
    July 18, 2012 at 5:12 pm #1085388

    Hard wired with a breaker

    esoxhunter
    Posts: 44
    July 18, 2012 at 5:26 pm #1085399

    I have a Motorguide trolling motor and was told by the service guy (had work done under warranty) to ALWAYS unplug the trolling motor before charging. He also agreed with the manual which said not to expose motor to repeated freeze/thaw cycles, so I take the motor off the boat every winter.

    I have a friend who NEVER unplugged his motor when charging…until he uncovered the boat last year and found a half melted trolling motor prop. Now he ALWAYS unplugs before charging. My battery charger has a laminated note fixed near the plug to remind me to unplug the motor. It usually works…

    sgt._rock
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 2517
    July 18, 2012 at 6:10 pm #1085427

    I’m confused. So if the trolling motor is melting??? WHat is happening? The higher voltage at the initial peak charge is somehow jumping the switch and activating the motor?? Wet switch? Any theories?? I’ve never unplugged mine.

    huskerdu
    Posts: 592
    July 18, 2012 at 10:35 pm #1085548

    Allways turn the breaker off, then charge, Huskerdu

    smithkeith
    Waterloo, Iowa
    Posts: 889
    July 18, 2012 at 11:22 pm #1085561

    Always unplug when charging and when I don’t charge, I turn the dial and switch to off at the end of the day. Running a Fortrex.

    Wade Boardman
    Grand Rapids, MN
    Posts: 4453
    July 18, 2012 at 11:37 pm #1085567

    I never unplug my trolling motor. The charger is plugged in 100% of the time when the boat is in the garage.

    Terrova 101# and MinnKota MK460 charger. Both purchased 2011.

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