Thread: 2 bank charging question?

I have 3 batteries on my boat 1 starting and 2 in series for my 24v trolling motor. Can I take one bank to + of 1 bat. And - negative of the other battery and leave them hooked up in series. Then take the other bank to my starting battery.

No, unless you want to burn up your on board charger. You will be attempting to charge 24v with a 12v charging system. It might even damage the batteries.

Upgrade to a 3 bank charger, or add a single bank charger for the cranking battery. I had the same issue as you. I found a good deal on a three bank charger, then sold my 2 bank charger for just a little bit less than I paid for the three.

Good luck,
Jeff

Another option is to add a small onboard single bank charger. I had the same issue and used the two bank charger for my trolling motor batteries and single bank charger for the starting battery.

Can I put the two bank on each of the two in series without taking out the jumper between the 2 every time?

Originally Posted by sparky197

Can I put the two bank on each of the two in series without taking out the jumper between the 2 every time?

Yes as long as each lead has it's own ground. Some of the early model on-board chargers used a common ground in which case you could not charge batteries wired in series. I haven't seen that in quite some time tho.

Not sure if you're towing or docked? If docked, ignore this, but if you trailer your rig here & there, you should look into this set-up:

StayNCharge by Retrotec

With this system, you plug your boat in when you pull off the water and by the time you get home, or to your next fishing destination, your batteries are fully charged and you're good to go again.

I've had this installed on my boat for 4 seasons now with the original batteries; charging one series 27 and one starting battery together. Have never had a problem. My trolling motor is a 12V model, but StayN'Charge has various models to accommodate just about any 12V, 24V or 36V system.

You do not have to hook anything up to your boat when you get home. It's all taken care of by your tow vehicles charging system. No heavy on-board charger to worry about either. Works for me.