Thread: A question about battery chargers

I have three total batteries on my boat. The cranking battery in the back of the boat, which also powers the aerators, bilge and lights. The trolling motor battery and another seperate battery are up front under the fishing deck. The trolling battery is dedicated to just the TM, and the other is used for my TM mounted fishfinder and a soon to be console mounted Humminbird SI. I have a single bank onboard charger that came installed when I bought the boat. It was originally connected to the trolling battery when it was in the back. Considering the cranking battery charges as the motor runs, I don't use the onboard much anymore. Would it be possible or recommended to move that charger to the front and run a two way switch off it, with one side going to the TM battery, the other to the electronics battery? I will eventually buy a two bank anyway, but for now am looking for a less expensive option. Any help will be appreciated.

As long as its just charging one battery at a time, that will work.

Yes, it will be charging just one at a time.

you could add a switch and charge the 2 batteries in parrallel. it would take longer to charge them but it would work.

BPS has a dual 5/5 amp on board battery charger on sale for $99.94. Sale is thru 02/26. (normally $125)

I run 2 batteries up front in series for the T/M and flasher. T/M is 12V. I have a 4 amp dual charger and it does just fine (around home) keeping both batteries charged. If I'm on an extended trip, more than 3 days and doing alot of trolling, I bring my 10amp and alternate between the 2 batteries using it at night.

Since your new T/M has a maximizer it probably draws alot less amps than my old 5 speed T/M. It will probably do just fine. I hoping that my batteries hold up alot better with my new T/M, since it's digital and will draw less amps.

The only time I need to charge my outboard battery is in winter. In weather like this, it sits too long between running. Not to mention it probably needs to be replaced

Yeah, I've been looking into a two bank. I am trying to hold off and get a Minnkota 10/10 amp. I'm planning on buying a Humminbird Side Image soon, which will put off any more significant purchases for a while. I have a portable 10 amp charger that works fine, but it's a pain to get to my electronics battery. It's up under the front deck. The access door opens right above the TM battery, which makes it easy to use the portable. But since it's not so easy to get to the other battery, I find myself letting it go uncharged too long. If it's just a matter of plugging in and flipping a switch, that may not happen. I'm sure the HB SI takes more juice to run it, so I figure keeping that battery charged will be important. And yes, I have the Minnkota PDV2 TM with the digitsl maximizer. It really cuts back on battery draw. And I hadn't charged my cranking battery in a couple months till this ridiculous cold came along. Now they are all in the house out of the weather and fully charged.

Found the Minn Kota on board charger on clearance at Wal Mart last night for 80 dollars you may want to check your Wal mart.