Since I’ve started thinking about a new item, which can be dangerous, and wind up being expensive, I need to get my ducks in a row so I can make a decision.
Here’s the deal. I carry three 12 volts on the boat. The cranking battery gets recharged by the engine, so that’s not a problem, and the one I use to drive the bubbler for my bait tank, I recharge for 3-4 hours every time I clean up the boat which is frequent. The trolling motor battery, however, I tote home frequently for recharging since we berth the boat.
So this is where I need some help. Looking at what Minn Kota has to offer, I believe there are two distinct ways to go. One is the “DC Alternator” route which charges additional banks of batteries off of the engine when it is running. My understanding is that is the only time charging is done, and it also cannot be used as a free standing battery charger. As our actual “water runs” are relatively short for a day on the water (typically 6 miles, rarely over 10), I question if this device would actually provide me the recharging capability I need on the trolling motor battery. Finally, are there any issues/problems since the trolling motor is an I-Pilot?
The 2nd option Minn Kota lists is an “On Board Battery Charger”. This I’m surmising is nothing more than a marine battery charger actually mounted in the boat with some nice bells and whistles, and when you’re ready to recharge, one hooks a plug up to it and away you go. Going this route, I’d just have to trust the guys at the Marina to connect the plug to it when it needs to be done.
So, I’m looking for confirmation or corrections on my understandings, and positive/negative ■■■■■■■■ on the “DC Alternator” route. Worst case I can continue to carry the one battery home as needed.
Mike, I use the on-board battery charger … since mine is a 24 volt system I use a dual bank, but they do make 3 and 4 bank charges …
I like them because all you have to do is plug it in and walk away … the charger is designed such that it does not overcharge your batteries (famous last words) … When I clean up the boat I plug it in and when I get read to leave I unplug it and go … never had any battery issues since going to this system
Stay away from the “DC alternator”. You just don’t use your big motor enough to charge your TM battery.
Get a 2 bank on board charger and hope they plug you in.you can always run by there and check behind them the next day until they get into a routine of doing it.
“All fisherman lie. And if they say otherwise, then they’re lying”
Well, it’s too bad about the “DC Alternator”. Would have been really great if it would have worked for me. The “On Board Battery Charger” sounds great for most individuals who use their boat frequently. Have to decide what to do. There may be a way I can foolproof the marina help.
Michael…do they store your boat on the lower level? If not, tell them of your situation and maybe they can swap you with someone on the bottom. I don’t know how feasible it would be to get power to your boat if it’s on one of the upper levels. Also, if it’s on the lower level you could always stop by and make sure it’s plugged in at any time.
I also have 3 batteries and have a 3 bank on board charger. My charger chargers till full then goes into a trickle charge 2 amp. I leave mine on for months at a time…batteries are 2007 kirklands, so I’m definitely pleased with that route.
Also use a 3 Bank Charger (10amp per bank) smart charger for 2 TM batteries and a cranking battery. The best deal I could find on one two years ago when I got mine was this one: http://www.geniuschargers.com/GEN3 which I got from Amazon. You simply wire it up to each battery and mount it somewhere in the bilge. Plug it up at the end of the day and leave it as long as you want because it switches to trickle and won’t overcharge. Glows red to show charging, green to show fully charged and blinks red if there’s a problem. It let me know when one of my batteries was going bad. Anticipate I’ll get much better life out of this set since I’m keeping them charged. If your berth has easy access to power, this is the way I’d go with it as opposed to a portable unit.
