Is it better to charge my batteries fast or slow for longevity?

[Team M&M]

I'm buying an on board charger and I'm looking at the Minn Kota precision chargers as they seem to have the best reviews. Well Noco Genius has good reviews too but I've had good luck with Minn Kota over the years. However, they offer several options for their 3 bank charger, as I can get it in 10, 6 or 15 amps. I realize larger amps means quicker charging, but I'd like to know if I choose the 6 amp version, will it be better on the batteries for longevity, or does fast vs slow charging matter in the long run?

[BuckeyeCrappie]

I don’t think it will affect the longevity which ever way you go. Maybe split the difference and get a 10A which will charge quicker than the 6A if you have some back to back days on the water. Just my two cents.

[skunked again]

I don't think so. Simply having a modern day, on-board charger, will increase the longevity. They go into various modes\states of charge. Most importantly, if there lead acid\flooded, check the water level once a month, add as recommended per manufacturers instructions.
Maybe email trojan or interstate (or whoever actually makes interstate batteries), or minn-kota, or schumacher.. Or call a local golf cart dealer, batteries plus, etc.

I agree with BuckeyeCrappie - get the 10 amp. For the reason he stated.

[Slab]

Slow charge (2amp) for lead acid batteries is best. This way you're not getting it hot and boiling the water out of it. But this was old school thought. New chargers are high tech and manage charging better. I'd have to agree with BEC as well, and just split the difference and get 10 amp. And yes, check water level often.

[DockShootinJack]

New chargers are the way to go. Plug then in and they do what they need to do

[speckfinder]

Consider one that has modes for different types, including lithium. 10 amp is a good choice.

[happycaster58]

Keeping them hooked up to the charger after every use is the way to go. As mentioned, new chargers take all the guess work out of it.

[Foxy Jig]

what they said..smart charger will do the trick

[Hanr3]

Most new chargers have 3 stages of charging, bulk, top-off, maintenance. Bulk will get teh battery close to full, top-off takes the longest, and maintenance is a trickle charge to keep the battery topped off for extended periods of time.
If you're a hard-core fisherman who is out dusk to dawn every day, then go for the higher amps. If you go out once or twice per week, then get the lower amps. If you fall somewhere in between, get the middle amps.

I have the 6amp triple bank Minnkota charger (not Precision) and fish dusk to mid-day a couple days in a row. Mostly trolling, spider rigging, pulling cranks, spot locked, etc. My batteries charge over-night, less than 12 hours, no problem.

The other thing to consider is other battery types. Will you go to AMG, Lithium batteries in the future, if so, get a charger that will handle lead acid, AGM, and/or lithium.

[skeetbum]

My experience with what you ask was this. I had the same choice to make when I got my bass boat. I chose a BPSstore brand, the pro mite I think, and it was 3 bank with five amps each. I trolled for lots of hours, sometimes over 8, and never came off of the TM. Plugged in when I got home and before cleaning fish. My interstate batteries lasted me 4 1/2 hrs and they were always full charged the next morning. My last set of Walmart series 29 lasted me almost six years. Charger was about $150, probably $200 now, and worked until I sold the boat, over ten years.Water maintenance is key and not leaving them in a depleted state was another. Mine never waited to be charged. If an electrical storm is about, unplug as power surges and lightning through the extension cord lying on the ground will take out your charger. Hopes this helps some.