Methods for Charging a 36 volt system

[DawsonH]

What are my options for charging a 36 volt system overnight? The only one I know about right now is on board chargers, I was wandering what my other options would be? I know many of you before have spoke of smart chargers and the on board chargers I have looked at do not seem to fit this bill. So, what is the best option here? What is the most economical?

[Wayne P.]

For overnight charging, you can buy three portable 12V chargers and hook one to each battery. It will do the same thing as an on-board three bank charger.

You may find a single 36V charger.

About your only other choice is to quit fishing early and charge one at a time with a single portable charger until each is fully charged.

[ring fry]

Might want to see if you can find a 36 volt golf car charger. You would have to change the leads, but that wouldn't be too hard. Just be sure not to get a 48 volt one, as most of the newer ones are going that way.

There's a dealer down there around Gander Mountain and Academy somewhere.  I think it's south of there on 69.

[Jig Man]

The most easy and simple way to do it is with an onboard charger.  If you use one of the batteries as a crank then a 3 bank.  If not then a 4 bank.  Get a 10-15 amp per bank charger and all you have to do is plug it in and go to bed.

[K_Mac]

The most easy and simple way to do it is with an onboard charger. If you use one of the batteries as a crank then a 3 bank. If not then a 4 bank. Get a 10-15 amp per bank charger and all you have to do is plug it in and go to bed.

+1 Cabelas ProSport II 20 plus on my boat. I have a 24V system and use the third bank for my starting battery. If I were usung a 36V system I would use this same charger and a cheap one for my cranking battery. The four bank systems are much more expensive. It is on sale now for $30 off. Here is the link:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat21276-cat600056_TGP&id=0043939018868a&navCount=11&podId=0043939&parentId=cat600056&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat600056&hasJS=true

[snapperd1]

get a 36volt Lester Charger

[Way2slow]

I guess those recommending a 36 volt golf cart charger haven't priced one.  Plus, those are generally 20 - 25 Amp chargers, way too hot for your TM batteries, you would need one with no more than 15 amps.

Three single 12volt 12 amp Smart chargers, you can pick up for around $50 each would be your cheapest way.  A ProMariner ProTournament 300 would be your best way.   

[DawsonH]

Looks like when the time comes ill go with the threexportable option, I also have a cranking battery in the boat at a diff location, plus there is not a lot of space under the console for an on board. Thanks for the help.

[txfisherman]

I wouldn't mount the onboard charger under a console, that would make the leads to long and cause you a voltage drop, I would put it in the compartment where my batteries are located and I just bought one from Tackle Unlimited for $300and some change with tax.  It comes with 3 10 amp bank leads and I leave the maintainer plugged in when not in use, it has a builtin shut off and voltage monitor.  Only charges when needed and with 10 amps, overnight from a long day of tournament use, this charges the batteries to 100%, ready for the next morning.

http://www.fishingtackleunlimited.com/p/FTU/c-trolling-motors-batteries/CHAR-SE3SS.html

[DawsonH]

This is a center console, batteries under console. Not much room at all after 3x battery.

[Wayne P.]

txfisherman, that charger is a Dual Pro model. It's strange that the advertizement didn't show the mfg.

Their Pro model is 15A per bank