onboard chargers

[Mike Zechman]

Hey fellas question for yas. On my 189 sport, my 200HP Merc is not on a onboard charger, I do have a 2 bank for the troller batteries. Its becomming a pain in the arse hookin up a charger to the battery for the big motor, cuz I have to revove all my chit from storage evrytime I do it, the manual says to charge it off an on while in winter storage cuz the computer runs all the time.



Should I get another single charger for that motor? If I do that, can hook it to the same outlet mounted in my boat without issues, or should I put another outlet just for that?



Thanks guys, my B-day is commin in March, so thats what I'm askin for if its do-able



-Mike

 

[Aroldo Hernandez]

I bought a three bank charger. 1 plug does it all for me.

 

[Berry Lindley]

I thought on a 2 bank charger one of the leads is for the cranking battery, and is marked for that? (mine is).

 

[Aroldo Hernandez]

If you have three batteries it won't work. I fyou have only two battery you're all set up.

 

[Jim in VA]

For cheaper options, go with a small, single bank charger to the cranking battery. You can plug the existing two bank and new single bank into the same wall outlet. Heck, you can use a three outlet into single plug to charge both (I have for my deck boat with no issues).



Jim

 

[Dan J.]

Ditto Jim C. - A cheap float charger (1.5-2amp) for under $10 clipped to it should serve your winter needs. It doesn't draw much.

 

[Jim in VA]

Re: Tom's suggestion, your two bank charger may not be able to handle the extra capacity. Keep in mind that you would be asking one bank to work really hard to charge the capacity of two batteries.



I have a single bank Guest charger that's hooked to my 12V trolling system on my G3HP180 (going to upgrade to 24V someday!). I did what Tom suggested to a second trolling battery (hooked in parallel to supply greater capacity 12V). Charger couldn't handle it and flashed the green LED. I was told that the flashing green light meant that the capacity was greater than the charger could handle. After I unhooked the second battery, the charger was fine.



Stick with a cheap second charger (e.g., Battery Tender waterproof version) for the cranking battery and you'll be all set.

 

[Mike Eddy]

Just be sure the charger you get has a "maintenence charge" mode once the battery is at full charge, or you'll "boil" the battery dry. The Guest and Battery Tender both have this and I leave mine plugged up all year - I've only had to add water once and VERY little water that time.



Good luck



Mike E.

 

[Tim Koepp]

if you already have a charger that doesnt have a "maintenance" or "float" mode: cheap alternative for winter is to get one of these: I;ve put em on my bike for years. Never toasted a battery, but have had to spend the six bucks a couple of times because this little cheapy just died.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42292

 

[Dan J.]

The link above was exactly what I was thinking. During regular use you shouldn't need it, but for prolonged inactivity, that's the deal.