Battery Question Charging Question

[dnb]

I have a 24v Trolling motor with 4 identical deep cycle batteries. I run 2 batteries parallel and the other two the same way. Then I run the standard wiring system for a 24 volt TM. Right now im struggling with my chargers and looking to invest in a onboard charger. My question is do I need a 4 bank charger or can I get by with a 2 bank charger since the batteries are run in parallel? Would hooking up a 4 bank help charge the batteries faster or would it interfere with the battery charging that is connected parallel to it.

I don't wanna spend the big $ on the 4 bank if its won't benifit me but am willing to do it if its needed.

[Way2slow]

If you get a two bank, it's going to have to be a fairly large one. Absolute minimum would be a 10 amp per bank and that could still take 15 hours or more to recharge if your batteries are down below 40%. You would really need a 15 - 20 amp per bank.

If get a four bank charger, I think you're gonna have to go with a charger thats toward the most companies upper line so it's going to be expensive. Even then, I'm not sure how the charge would like having two of it's outputs hooked in parallel. Connecting the charger outputs in parallel is something you will have to verify with the manufactor, making sure their charger is designed to operate that way.

Connecting batteries in parallel doubles your run time but it also doubles the charging amps needed to recharge them properly.

[jim payne]

If you are using 2 sets of batteries before you go out and buy the charger you need I would do a few test on them after an average day(for you) fishing. Make sure they are topped off , test them and then go fishing, When you get home test them again to see how much they have gone down. Now you will know how much power will be needed to top them back off.

way3slow could be right about how long it could take but it all depends on how big the batteries are, what condition they are in and how much you use them. Just a good way to find out for yourself is to test them by using them how you use them and then decide how you will need to charge them. Good luck.

[Ann-Marie]

You don't need a 4 bank. A good size 2 bank will do the job.

Keep in mind that you can use a Trollbridge24 which would allow you to use a cheaper single output 12 volt charger and would also allow your outboard engine alternator to charge the 24 volt battery. Then you can also use 12 volt charging line from the tow vehicle to charge all the boat batteries.

[dnb]

Thanks for the input.. Gonna go with a big 2 bank I will let u know how it goes

[Way2slow]

You didn't say if you have a gas motor or not.  If you do, the ideal charger for you would be the three bank, ProMariner ProTournament 300.  You're cranking battery would top off fairly quickly and then it would transfer that output to the TM batteries, giving you 15 amps per bank for those.  The way the PT300 works, it would also charge the TM batteries a lot faster than a standard 15 charger.  That's the only charger I will run and has been for a number of years.