Any tips on installing onboard charger?

[USMC22]

I’m considering installing a dual pro pro series 3 bank charger under my console on a Lund Rebel 1600 ss but am concerned it may be to heavy. It’s 23lbs. Not sure of the thickness Lund uses on their console and if washers and 1/4” bolts would be ok? Any input?

[TOXIC]

Wouldn't you have to run long leads to get to your batteries?  Most on-board chargers are installed in the bilge close to the batteries and where there is usually a space with a suitable strong mounting surface.  Another reason for the bilge is that it is the area that takes the least pounding on the water.  

[slonezp]

Call your local Lund dealer and ask where they factory mount them on the Rebel. I would imagine somewhere near or next to the batteries.  

[NHBull]

Lund recommended putting  mine near the TM batteries under the rod locker

[Choporoz]

I'm still shopping for my first boat (entering the fifth year of shopping...lol), so, I'm fairly ignorant about this....but I'm somewhat surprised that a space and/or mount for onboard charger isn't integrated into the design by now.  Seems it'd be a pretty rare fishing boat that doesn't have one at some point in its life.

[USMC22]

2 hours ago, TOXIC said:

Wouldn't you have to run long leads to get to your batteries?  Most on-board chargers are installed in the bilge close to the batteries and where there is usually a space with a suitable strong mounting surface.  Another reason for the bilge is that it is the area that takes the least pounding on the water.  

I would need to run a little longer lead but am not worried about it as I could route cables through factory drilled holes that were meant for rigging. I have a deck on my boat so to access the bilge I’d need to remove it and that would put the charger out of sight and not ventilated, both of which I’m not sure I like.

2 hours ago, slonezp said:

Call your local Lund dealer and ask where they factory mount them on the Rebel. I would imagine somewhere near or next to the batteries.  

I agree and if it was a single lead charger weighing 7lbs I’m sure it’d be no problem. The boat is set up from the factory for a 12v trolling motor. I’m planning on running a 24v and the extra bank will be for an accessory battery or to maintain the cranking battery.

15 minutes ago, NHBull said:

Lund recommended putting  mine near the TM batteries under the rod locker

Could you snap some photos for me? I can pm you my number if it’s easier to text them, I still haven’t figured out how to post on here.

7 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I'm still shopping for my first boat (entering the fifth year of shopping...lol), so, I'm fairly ignorant about this....but I'm somewhat surprised that a space and/or mount for onboard charger isn't integrated into the design by now.  Seems it'd be a pretty rare fishing boat that doesn't have one at some point in its life.

Everyone wants something different and has a preference. Some boats have space in the rod lockers, my rod lockers are on the side of the boat and offer limited mounting solutions (blind install, cants use bolts- only screws, rivets or well nuts)

[NHBull]

Will send some pics tomorrow.

The second option was under the console and I would have placed it their had I not opted for the additional drawer

[J Francho]

3 hours ago, TOXIC said:

Wouldn't you have to run long leads to get to your batteries?  Most on-board chargers are installed in the bilge close to the batteries and where there is usually a space with a suitable strong mounting surface.  Another reason for the bilge is that it is the area that takes the least pounding on the water.  

There isn't really a suitable area or really a bilge, other than the small gap under the flooring in a deep v boat like this.  Trolling motor batteries are typically stored in bow storage.

 

[TOXIC]

Gotcha....my experience is only in the glass bass boat world and the Tracker line from doing so many shows at BPS.  

[USMC22]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

There isn't really a suitable area or really a bilge, other than the small gap under the flooring in a deep v boat like this.  Trolling motor batteries are typically stored in bow storage.

 

I’ve thought about the bow, and plan on placing 2 batteries in the bow storage but the walls seem thin to bolt 23lbs to and then hope it holds up to waives and running the boat. Thoughts?

[slonezp]

Buid a bow step/extension next to the console.

[Further North]

On 8/27/2018 at 11:46 AM, slonezp said:

Buid a bow step/extension next to the console.

Great idea.  Almost zero impact on space/storage and solves the problem.

[Krux5506]

What year is your Rebel? I have a 2010 Rebel ss (17ft) and I have battery compartments at the stern, and my 3 bank charger is mounted in one of those compartments. I wouldn't worry about the 23lbs, although you could spend more and get the lighter Minn Kota Precision charger which is what I went for. 

 

 

I will send pics when I can, my boat is kept an hour away from home. 

[MickD]

On 8/27/2018 at 9:07 AM, NHBull said:

Lund recommended putting  mine near the TM batteries under the rod locker

That is a very difficult place to access on that boat.  And as mentioned, running cables will be difficult , with long cables.  I find it amazing that they would recommend it. 

 

If it will fit put it into the battery compartment-weight will not be a problem.  You can make a piece of 1/4 or 3/8 plywood that will be a "force or very snug fit" into the compartment and mount the charger to that.  No need to drill into your Lund.  If it's too big to fit into the battery compartment then put it into the rear compartment on the right side, then your holes and cables will be easy to do and out of sight.  

[Krux5506]

I just can't believe the setup would be that much different than mine. The only thing to throw mine outta whack would be if I used a 36v trolling motor, in which case I'd have 2 batteries in each compartment then have to mount the charger elsewhere, possibly in the side storage which would be right next to that compartment but would require a bit more drilling. 

[MickD]

I've been thinking (I know, dangerous), and I'm wondering if there is a mis-interpretation of what Lund recommended.  If your charger is under the rod locker, how do you get the cable out without opening the rod locker and picking up the plate at the bottom?  Every time you use it.  If you run the 110 cable out somehow, and don't have to open the compartment to use it, you cannot see the indicator lights.  That is unreasonable.  Maybe they meant the compartment to the right of the rod locker?  Easy access to the cord, more trouble running cables to the battery, but an order of magnitude handier than under the rod locker. That is where my two bank charger was installed by the dealer; they ran the cables along with all the electronics cables.

 

I think it better to be able to open a compartment to assure no temp problems while charging, too.

 

Do some serious thinking before following what you think is Lund's advice.

[slonezp]

9 hours ago, MickD said:

I've been thinking (I know, dangerous), and I'm wondering if there is a mis-interpretation of what Lund recommended.  If your charger is under the rod locker, how do you get the cable out without opening the rod locker and picking up the plate at the bottom?  Every time you use it.  If you run the 110 cable out somehow, and don't have to open the compartment to use it, you cannot see the indicator lights.  That is unreasonable.  Maybe they meant the compartment to the right of the rod locker?  Easy access to the cord, more trouble running cables to the battery, but an order of magnitude handier than under the rod locker. That is where my two bank charger was installed by the dealer; they ran the cables along with all the electronics cables.

 

I think it better to be able to open a compartment to assure no temp problems while charging, too.

 

Do some serious thinking before following what you think is Lund's advice.

Lund mounts their chargers under the rod locker in many models. Lund uses Dual Pro chargers and Dual Pro sells a couple plug options that can be mounted remote to the charger. I believe they are made by Marineco See bottom of link. http://pcsdv.corecommerce.com/accessories/

[MickD]

My Lund came with a dual bank charger mounted in the compartment to the right of the rod locker.  I think it was put in by the dealer, not Lund.  I'm glad it's there and not out of sight under the rod locker.  I can observe the status lights, and if anything goes wrong, it will be a lot easier to replace.  At least that's the way I see it.

 

Maybe some Lunds are different than mine (Rebel 1650 ss) , but the area under the rod locker is a real pain in the butt to access.

[slonezp]

21 minutes ago, MickD said:

My Lund came with a dual bank charger mounted in the compartment to the right of the rod locker.  I think it was put in by the dealer, not Lund.  I'm glad it's there and not out of sight under the rod locker.  I can observe the status lights, and if anything goes wrong, it will be a lot easier to replace.  At least that's the way I see it.

 

Maybe some Lunds are different than mine (Rebel 1650 ss) , but the area under the rod locker is a real pain in the butt to access.

Why do you need to access it? Even if it to just see the status lights, all I have to do is open the locker. I have a 3 bank charger and 2 TM batteries installed under the rod locker. A single bank charger that I installed and a 3rd TM battery in one of the port lockers.(I upgraded from 24v to 36v TM) The starting battery is at the stern in the floor with the remote oil tank. I have connected both the chargers under the deck, to a single extension cord and have the plug mounted in the deck with one of the adapters in the link I posted.

 

One thing I know about Lund is they really put thought into the storage/layout of all their boats. Doesn't matter if it's a Rebel the ProV or the Baron. They utilize every inch of space to make life easier on the fisherman. I'm not familiar with the ins and outs of the Rebel, but I'd bet there are multiple options for mounting without losing needed space

[MickD]

There is a floor on the locker that I don't want to lose.  To access the area under it where a charger would go, beside the batteries, requires that the floor, which is a metal plate that just sets there, no fasteners, be removed.  It does not come out easily.  Since I don't want to lose the floor of the locker, where I keep charts and a few other things under the rods, putting a charger under there is not my preferred option.  I was just trying to inform the original poster of the trade-offs to be aware of.  I'm perfectly happy with my two bank in the compartment to the right of the locker and the single bank back in the battery compartment.   

[Krux5506]

Sorry, mine is actually a Rebel XL Sport, which I think now would be closest to the current Rebel XS Sport, but the layout has remained the same mostly - battery compartments in the back under those seats which fold down into a deck.