3 bank charger and batterey questions

[Njbasser92]

I purchased my first bass boat this summer. when I got the boat it was all in working order with a 55 pound 24v trolling motor, that just wasn't cutting it. I was shopping around and ended up getting a good deal on a minn kota maxxum 101 36v. Now im in the market to get a 3 bank charger, and Im going to get all new batteries. with that being said Im looking to for some info before I make my purchase.  I was looking at the dual pro sportsman, I have been told that that's the only way to go for your charging needs. just looking for a few more opinions. As far as batteries are concerned, im pretty uneducated as to what the differences are.  I have a 1989 astro quickfire 18gt, and I fish her pretty hard.

[Way2slow]

First, You should be looking at a four bank charger for a 36 volt system.  Three TM batteries and one cranking battery. 

Unless you are one of those that like to live on the edge and use you cranking battery as the third TM battery.  People actually do that a lot, but make sure you take enough provisions to spend the night on the lake if you do.  You can almost bet you will be doing that somewhere along the way.

Boat has nothing to do with the batteries, other than having enough room to get them all in it.  Other than that, You want to have a charger that can deliver approx. 10% each batteries rated capacity per bank.    Group 27 Deep Cycles are typically about 105ah, so that means you want about 10 amps of charging power to charge it.  That's 30 amps total for three batteries and 40 amps total for four batteries.   Some chargers will switch power from the cranking battery to the TM batteries after the cranking battery reaches about 90% charge so their four bank 30 amp total will still do a good job.

Lets see, 107 thrust 36V TM, three new TM batteries, because if you have two, you can not just add a third, they all have to be Identical and no more than 25 charge cycles difference between them.  A big charger to charger them all with.  I hope you have birthday and big Christmas bonus coming up.

[BassnChris]

I agree with the dual pro.....but yes....4 bank version.

[tcbass]

Dual Pro is a great choice. I had a 3 bank charger and it charged 3 batteries that were all old and weren't the same. Kept them working for 3 years. 

If I get a new boat it will have a Dual Pro charger. If it's good enough for Ranger and others now as a standard charger you can't go wrong. 

I have a Minn Kota now and so far so good. My friend went thru 2 Minn Kotas but Cabelas took care of him. 

[A-Jay]

I have the Dual Pro 4 Bank 

It's being used to rejuvenate 4 mod 31 Optima Blue tops to include the Cranker - Couldn't be happier.

Do it and you will too.

A-Jay

[Jig Man]

You have been given good advice on the charger.  If you can swing it ATM batteries are the way to go.  If not then look for high reserve amp flooded cell batteries.

[slonezp]

8 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

You have been given good advice on the charger.  If you can swing it ATM batteries are the way to go.  If not then look for high reserve amp flooded cell batteries.

ATM? This is a family friendly site. I think you meant AGM.

[iabass8]

3 minutes ago, slonezp said:

ATM? This is a family friendly site. I think you meant AGM.

[Way2slow]

He was thinking about all that money it's going to take from the ATM.

[Jig Man]

He was using his cell in a hotel room and didn't see the mistake on that itty bitty screen.  Sorry AGM is what I meant.  I have been using them for years and don't ever plan to go back to flooded cells.

[Further North]

4 bank, Minn Kota or Dual Pro for all the reasons above.

I run Minn Kota, couldn't be happier.

[WIGuide]

You'll want to go 4 bank and I'd put my money on the dual pro. Pretty much the best chargers out there. 

[Njbasser92]

Well i ordered the dual pro

[tcbass]

47 minutes ago, Njbasser92 said:

Well i ordered the dual pro

I don't think you'll be disappointed. I think Dual Pro is the best.