Battery charger recommendation

[LargeMarge]

I have a size 27 deep cycle trolling motor battery and a second Cabela's fish finder battery for a jon boat. I take both of these out of the boat when not using them.

 

I currently use a Schumacher charger and during the winter just switch which battery is being charged/maintained once a week. Any potential issues with this? If this is not advisable, are there any recommendations for a charger that can charge/maintain two batteries of different size?

 

Thanks

[MN Fisher]

No issues that I can think of.

 

I just charge my battery up the night before every trip...if that's something you want to do, I'd consider a decent 2-bank charging system. That way you can charge them both at the same time.

[Bird]

No issues at all with that, done it myself. 

[OnthePotomac]

I used an automatic  Schumacher for several years switching between the starting and trolling motor batteries, but for five years I have used  a battery tender just left plugged in all winter for them and the tender also has a desulfinator to keep the plates clean and boy does it extend the life of a battery.

[Dirtyeggroll]

You make even be able to charge both batteries with that setup. Might take a little longer when they are low, but should be fine for maintaining.

[GreenPig]

I got tired of moving and switching chargers. So I installed a 3 bank in my little Jon boat.

[jbrew73]

On 1/7/2020 at 3:03 PM, OnthePotomac said:

I used an automatic  Schumacher for several years switching between the starting and trolling motor batteries, but for five years I have used  a battery tender just left plugged in all winter for them and the tender also has a desulfinator to keep the plates clean and boy does it extend the life of a battery.

Can you point me to a Battery Tender with the desulfator feature?  I can’t seem to find one with that option.

[OnthePotomac]

My son in law gifted me with what I have five years ago and I have a Deltran Power Plus 12 and 24V tender and with it he gave me a Power Plus Pulse Tech 12 and 24V Desulfinator.  I mislead you to believe it is one unit.  The little desulfinator sits on top of the tender and runs off the battery.  Go to PulseTech.net and you will find the desulfinator for $45.  I don't know what he paid for the Deltran, but Pulse Tech has the combined device for $265.  Yes, the tender takes longer to fully charge the battery, but during fishing season I have to bring my size 27 TM battery home with me (state park boat storing) to charge it and it is usually back up in about 6 hours plugged in upon arrival at home and I don't do back to back fishing days anyway.  The starting battery only comes home when the boat goes to bed for the winter.  In this case they are both simultaneously maintained until early spring.  It has worked for the last five year and so far a I have had healthy batteries with lots of power when I hit the water in spring.

[A-Jay]

6 hours ago, GreenPig said:

I got tired of moving and switching chargers. So I installed a 3 bank in my little Jon boat.

Nicely Done ~ 

A-Jay

[LonnieP]

I use a CTEK 4.3 charger on my Pond Prowlers battery. It chargers in stages and one of the stages it desulfinates the battery. I leave it hooked up 24/7 when not fishing . I've been using it since I bought the battery new almost 4 years ago and it still holds a good charge.

[waymont]

On 1/7/2020 at 2:03 PM, OnthePotomac said:

I used an automatic  Schumacher for several years switching between the starting and trolling motor batteries, but for five years I have used  a battery tender just left plugged in all winter for them and the tender also has a desulfinator to keep the plates clean and boy does it extend the life of a battery.

Which tender do you recommend?