Onboard battery charger

[DINK WHISPERER]

Hey guys, I'm in need of a little help here. Today after forgetting to put the plug in the boat, the whole bilge filled up with water. My onboard charger is mounted high but still got submerged. Now one of the 3 banks doesn't work anymore. It's one of the trolling battery banks. So, can I move the cranking battery bank to the trolling one that went out? Or does the cranking battery also need recharging after every trip out? If that won't work, what do y'all suggest for a new onboard? I've never had to buy one before. Help a brotha out here. 

[iabass8]

Dual Pro 15x3 is a great charger. I've had them on my last 2 boats and they are, I believe, the only charger that can be sent in for repairs. Not 100% on that though. 

 

MK330 is a good one, too. 

 

You could move the cranking lead over to the trolling motor battery and just get a single charger to throw on the cranking battery. You should always have a charge on every battery when not in use. 

[DINK WHISPERER]

Anyone have experience with the ProMariner versions? 

[A-Jay]

Quad Pro is my charger of choice.

 

Effective, fast, so far durable, quality unit.

 

 

A-Jay

 

 

[Dwight Hottle]

Your starter battery needs charging from an on board charger even though it gets charged from the motors charging system. I have a 9 year old minn kota  3 bank charger on my boat that has always performed great. If you are going to install it yourself getting the same one you already have might be easier on the install. 

[DINK WHISPERER]

I'm trying not to break the bank right now with the holiday spending I just did. The one in the boat now is probably over 10 years old and some brand I've never seen. Something like professional circuit systems or something. Found a dual pro 3 bank 6 amps per bank for $135. Would 6 amps per bank be sufficient? My trolling batteries are group 27 and cranking battery is group 24. 

[A-Jay]

3 hours ago, DINK WHISPERER said:

I'm trying not to break the bank right now with the holiday spending I just did. The one in the boat now is probably over 10 years old and some brand I've never seen. Something like professional circuit systems or something. Found a dual pro 3 bank 6 amps per bank for $135. Would 6 amps per bank be sufficient? My trolling batteries are group 27 and cranking battery is group 24. 

Three 6 amp banks for a 18 amp total out put will surely charge your batteries. 

 

Jumping up one model level provides three 10 amp banks for a total of 30 amps, along with quite a bit more 'features'.

In the long run, might be a better buy and IMO is at least worth a look.

Good Luck

A-Jay

[DINK WHISPERER]

@A-Jay You're definitely right about the long run. I really like how yours is set up in the dry compartment. I want to try that with my next one instead of in the bilge like it is now. Just thought that dual pro was a good deal for $135 since TW sales it for $234.99. Might just use the two working banks on the trolling motor batteries and use my portable Schumacher charger to top off the cranker till I decide on what I'm getting. Thanks to a hit and run yesterday, I now have a $500 deductible to pay out of pocket as well. 

[Jig Man]

Sorry to hear about all of your problems.  If it were me I use the portable until I could get at least the 3x10.  6 amps will charge your batteries but after a hard day's use it will take a very long time.

[Troy85]

I have a 2 bank charger for my 24v trolling motor.  I don't charge my cranking battery after every trip and I never have any issues.  I  use my boat almost every weekend, If I know its going to sit unused for more than a week,  I will hook up a trickle charger to the cranking battery.   

[Goldstar225]

Deleted.

Edited December 28, 2017 by Goldstar225
Deleted. Replied to wrong post

[WIGuide]

Sorry you're having issues, but I'd go with a dual pro charger. You can always take it out if you want to sell your boat. Mine was bought used and has been in my last two boats over 7 years without an issue. My dad's is the original that came with his boat and it just turned 19 years old and is still doing it's job. They are sealed to be waterproof, as well as serviceable. As far as I'm concerned, they're the best out there and the little extra cost is well worth it. 

[Further North]

Any of the top brands will work and last quite a while.  I run Minn Kota myself that has been in three boats in the last several years.  Does a great job, no problems.

[fishnkamp]

In my 2010 Lowe bass boat I chose a Bass Pro charger that does 10 amps on 2 banks. It is very fast and my batteries have lasted over 7 years of use.  I chose that one because it fit in a storage compartment and some of the Minn Kotas and other brands were a bit larger.  I have never been disappointed with it.  In my 20 foot Pro Craft I had a 10 amp 2 bank Dual Pro and it functioned well also.  I really do not find I need to charge the gas engine battery very often. My outboard has always done it unless my boat sat for an extended period without use.

[WRB]

I have a NOCO Gen 111 onboard charger that is 2005 vintage and 100% water proof that still works perfect and fairly compact size. Go online and look at the specs.

Tom

[DINK WHISPERER]

I'll check it out @WRB. I was about to get the dual pro but since universal mania went out of biz I can't get it price matched anymore for $125. Guess the search continues. For now, I moved the 2 working leads to the trolling batteries and I charge the cranker with my portable Schumacher charger. 

[WRB]

39 minutes ago, DINK WHISPERER said:

I'll check it out @WRB. I was about to get the dual pro but since universal mania went out of biz I can't get it price matched anymore for $125. Guess the search continues. For now, I moved the 2 working leads to the trolling batteries and I charge the cranker with my portable Schumacher charger. 

Ad another $100 and you are the ball park price.

Try drying out your charger with a hair drier on low heat, it may just need the moisture removed and contacts cleaned.

Tom

[DINK WHISPERER]

^^ hadn't even thought of that. It does have condensation inside where the LED lights are.

[Way north bass guy]

11 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

In my 2010 Lowe bass boat I chose a Bass Pro charger that does 10 amps on 2 banks. It is very fast and my batteries have lasted over 7 years of use.  I chose that one because it fit in a storage compartment and some of the Minn Kotas and other brands were a bit larger.  I have never been disappointed with it.  In my 20 foot Pro Craft I had a 10 amp 2 bank Dual Pro and it functioned well also.  I really do not find I need to charge the gas engine battery very often. My outboard has always done it unless my boat sat for an extended period without use.

I have the same charger from BPS( I’m assuming), and it works great for my 24v terrova. Even after a hard days use it’s good to go the next early morning. 

[slonezp]

29 minutes ago, Way north bass guy said:

I have the same charger from BPS( I’m assuming), and it works great for my 24v terrova. Even after a hard days use it’s good to go the next early morning. 

I'm pretty sure the BPS and Cabelas chargers are made by Pro Mariner

[fishnkamp]

You are probably right. Johnny is not in the charger building business. He has most of his branded stuff made by a major manufacturer or he buys said major manufacturer.  I just know it has always worked well for me.

Hey Way north bass guy how do you like your Terrova? Are you using the foot pedal much?

I am about to upgrade from a Maxxum to a Riptide Terrova ( the salt water version).

[Way north bass guy]

8 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

You are probably right. Johnny is not in the charger building business. He has most of his branded stuff made by a major manufacturer or he buys said major manufacturer.  I just know it has always worked well for me.

Hey Way north bass guy how do you like your Terrova? Are you using the foot pedal much?

I am about to upgrade from a Maxxum to a Riptide Terrova ( the salt water version).

I love it. Had it on my 19’ Smokercraft the last 3 years and absolutely no problems at all, lots of power in the wind and nice and quiet. I always use the foot pedal, never been much of a “remote” guy. I mostly use the smaller buttons at the lower end of the pedal, all you need is a little tap from one toe and you hardly have to lift your foot or look at the motor.