I run 4 deep cycle batteries : 1= main motor , 2= acc &pumps , 3= just lights and electronics , 4= trolling motor. Boat is equipped
with charger/maintainer for each bank. Question ; would yall leave
maintainers on all time on all batteries or just the batteries
used on most recent trip??? I’ve heard some batteries will develop
a memory and will die quicker if not allowed to mostly discharge before being recharged !!!I have also considered swapping the dedication of usage around to help balance their use. Know it’s a dumb question but would really like yalls opinion!!!
gail wins, I just put this charger on my boat except it was the 2 bank version! Don’t know about the memory stuff. This link shows 40 Amp input. Don’t know how many home circuits are rated 40 AMP?
This charger seems to do it all? And it’s made in America:smiley:
If batteries are not used and stay on a charger, they will develop a ‘memory’ and will not be as effective as holding a charge. As fishbowl stated too, you do not want to leave it partially drained either.
With the 4 different batteries, you need to find a way to perform a periodic discharge on the battery in order to eliminate the memory. Having items such as #2, #3 above, it will be hard to effectively work those two batteries to get a good charge on them. The trolling motor will have a full cycle when you run it and the motor, with the alternator should be fine.
I keep the charger on mine 24-7-365. I have the same interstate batteries that came with my boat in 2007. I do not however have a trolling motor but would do the same if I did.
I charge mine as soon as I park the boat and at least 24 hours before I take it back out again if its a week end to week end kinda thing. If I know I’m taking it out again in a few days I will just leave it charging.
My opinion is your battery situation is not typical. #1 and #2 should be starting batteries (not deep cell) with a perko switch
Pumps, electronics, lights, acc should be run through the perko switch.
#3 and #4 should be deep cell and run the trolling motor only through a perko switch. If you don’t need 2 for the trolling motor, just use 1 and ditch all the extra weight.
Charge the batteries after use. Charge batteries prior to use 12-24hrs. Doesn’t need to be plugged in all the time, unless you have some kind of draw, which the perko switch should eliminate.
Thanks All ; lot to digest, got to rethink it all!!! I do have
each charger/maintainer on its own switch so I can control
which battery or how many to charge at once !!!
I partially agree with frigatto
first off how are these batteries hooked and being charged while the motor is running?
you should be running a max of 3 batteries
1 deep cycle for the trolling motor, isolated to just the trolling motor.
then we normally run 2 batteries through a battery selector switch
the motor and all your accessories are connected to the common on the switch.
you operate the boat and motor on 1 or 2 not both. the one not being used is your back up in the event of a failure.
its not good to make frequent small discharges and recharges to a deep cycle battery
Chris ; Friogatto ;
You’re right this is not a typical battery set up, main motor battery is only one charged by motor. I fish a lot at night with lights, long
hours on trolling motor"sometimes". Water pumps and accessories. The
one thing I left out is some of my trips may last 2-3 days and nights
with no means of re-charge while there. I have each battery on its
own charge/maintainer so if I do happen to be able to recharge, also
keep a short jumper if one dies while i’m away.
As long as you have no draw on the batteries during storage, charge when you get back and charge before you go.
You know how it is, if the battery engineers say no long term charges, the battery charger engineers will say leave it plugged in all the time. You cant win on these, but find what works for you.
gail wins, I just put this charger on my boat except it was the 2 bank version! Don’t know about the memory stuff. This link shows 40 Amp input. Don’t know how many home circuits are rated 40 AMP?
This charger seems to do it all? And it’s made in America:smiley:
if only the starting battery is being charged by the motor, you should have no issues
if you have a “smart” charger, it will know when to shut off, but I like frigattos idea best, charge after you get back and just before you leave
