Onboard Chargers

[Reel Cowboy]

Does anyone have a particular brand or stlye on board charger for a 24V trolling motor? I've been looking around and the Promariner brand looks pretty good but your opinions on this are much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[Good Times]

How do these work? What's the technology?

[Nathan]

Guest is the way to go. I have a 5/5 two output Guest on my bayboat for keeping the two deep cycles under my console topped off. It has been great so far. The model is 2611A if you interested. You can find them around for a little over $100.

Nathan

[Capt_J]

I've been using a four(4) bank on-board system, made by MinnKota (model MK440) with great results. It will handle batteries up to 130 amphours. The unit has been in use since November 2005. It keeps both trolling motor batteries, the auxillary battery and the primary starting battery charged. It is a 40 amp system (10 amps per circuit), with trickle down and auto shut off.

[Reel Cowboy]

Thanks for the quick responses.

Nathan, does anyone in this area carry this brand or are the special order?

Capt_J, this might be a dumd question but the Minnkota charger shouldn't screw up a Motor Guide trolling motor should it?

[Capt_J]

Reel Cowboy, the onboard charger system is tied directly to the batteries. The brand I use has built-in safeguards, reverse polarity protection, circuit isolators, etc. Brands of motors should have no impact. I do always unplug my rolling motor, as a precaution against electrical 'mishaps'. It is important to make sure all the wiring is properly placed........I did hear of a trolling motor plug being welded beyond use by having the batteries improperly wired in.

[Nathan]

Thanks for the quick responses.

Nathan, does anyone in this area carry this brand or are the special order?

Capt_J, this might be a dumd question but the Minnkota charger shouldn't screw up a Motor Guide trolling motor should it?

They carry the Guest chargers at Boaters World and West Marine, but they are a little more expensive. Boaters World sells a package that includes a shore power cord and connector plug for $160.

Nathan

[mojokoko]

I have a Pro Series Charger. It's mounted directly under the console storage area.
It will charge 2 12v batteries at once. Like the previous poster said, it's directly connected to
each battery, all you have to do is plug in the power cable, and wait for the light to turn green
I have never had a problem with it!

[Reel Cowboy]

How do these work? What's the technology?

Instead of putting a charger on your trolling motor, you have the leads from the on board charger connected to the batery (ies) so you can just plug the charger up to an extension cord and unplug when you leave.

[fishfeeder]

I bought my Minkota 2 bank charger on ebay for $60 bucks it was $119.00 at Wal-Mart......also make sure you have a way to disconnect your outboard when charging. I read that it could damage the alternator...

[Capt_J]

I had not heard that onboard chargers might damage outboard alternators(ouch). Wonder if putting a battery switch in the 'off' position would sufficiently isolate the outboard from the battery bank?

[fishfeeder]

I wish I could remember where I read this....so remember I am no expert......I just stayed at a Holiday Inn Express Last Night....

[Reel Cowboy]

If the outboard isn't connected to the charger it shouldn't matter.

[Capt_J]

I've been know to frequent the Holiday Inn Express myself......thanks for the input. If there is some info floating around about 'do's and don'ts' for onboard battery charging, I would love to get access. All being said: I love my onboard charging system and don't know how I got along without it.

[Reel Cowboy]

I wish I could remember where I read this....so remember I am no expert......I just stayed at a Holiday Inn Express Last Night....

I like the Hampton Inns better my self, generally have a better bar.