Search Fishin.com

Results 1 to 10 of 10
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 1969
    Location
    Louisville, KY.
    Posts
    599
    Post Thanks / Like

    onboard charger question

    I have had a 3 bank Cabelas onboard charger for over 10 years on my boat with a 24 volt trolling motor. The charger is starting to act up - not coming on when I plug it in sometimes and leaving my TM batteries low. With its age I am thinking of replacing it but my question is whether to go with another 3 bank or 2 bank to just cover the TM batteries only. Although mine is a 3 bank I took the leads off of my starting battery some time ago because it seemed to keep running low on water and I felt the charger was doing it. I have not had any charging issues with the starting battery since and in my mind I don't think I need a 3 bank but I am curious as to how others rig their onboards. I appreciate any thoughts regarding onboards and starting batteries...

    kc

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Shepherdsville
    Posts
    968
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: onboard charger question

    My opinion is that the starting battery shouldnt need a charger unless you dont do a whole lot of running on teh outboard. I think its a good idea to NOT have a charger for it because it may help you know when your alternator/generator is failing instead of masking it with a wall charge every day.


    but take it for what it is worth, i am not a boat owner, i simply ride along with the father.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    eastview, ky
    Posts
    1,122
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: onboard charger question

    I thought my charger was on the frits and I found my - wire was loose at the end. Put new termination on it and she's like new. Dont over look your connection ouer time they can wear.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    95
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: onboard charger question

    I'd get the 2 bank. I've always been afraid a charger could damage my outboards charging system or vice-versa. I do charge my starter battery with a charger once in awhile especially if I'm doing a lot of night fishing but I'll always disconnect the cables before doing so. Most newer outboards have no problem keeping the battery charged anyway.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 1969
    Location
    Edmonson co. Ky.
    Posts
    613
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: onboard charger question

    Quote Originally Posted by coombro View Post
    I thought my charger was on the frits and I found my - wire was loose at the end. Put new termination on it and she's like new. Dont over look your connection ouer time they can wear.
    I had trouble with mine and it ended up being the extition cords 3 proung plug.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    South Eastern Kentucky
    Posts
    32
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: onboard charger question

    same here, have had the same kind of trouble with a few of the remote chargers that turned out to be loose wires on the clamps but i am not sure how your connectors connect being an on-board charger. it would be worth looking into though.

    i agree with the running battery....no need to charge. maybe a trickle if it isnt going to be used for a while.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    2,177
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: onboard charger question

    Quote Originally Posted by kc View Post
    I have had a 3 bank Cabelas onboard charger for over 10 years on my boat with a 24 volt trolling motor. The charger is starting to act up - not coming on when I plug it in sometimes and leaving my TM batteries low. With its age I am thinking of replacing it but my question is whether to go with another 3 bank or 2 bank to just cover the TM batteries only. Although mine is a 3 bank I took the leads off of my starting battery some time ago because it seemed to keep running low on water and I felt the charger was doing it. I have not had any charging issues with the starting battery since and in my mind I don't think I need a 3 bank but I am curious as to how others rig their onboards. I appreciate any thoughts regarding onboards and starting batteries...

    kc
    my boat came with a built in charger, that charges my two trolling batteries. and I bought one at walmart for about 50.00 that I use to charge my starting battery with. every time I return from fishing, I put all my batteries on charge. and leave them on the chargers until i'm ready to go fishing again. never had any problems, and this way works great for me.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 1969
    Location
    Louisville, KY.
    Posts
    599
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: onboard charger question

    When the problem started I checked out the connections and had to replace one. The connections are good but it is hit or miss whether it will come on or not. It used to come on with a red light as soon as you plug it in and now it rarely does that and sometimes after being plugged in for 10 or 15 minutes it will come on (and sometimes not which is the problem). The connections are good but the electronics are getting flaky...

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 1969
    Location
    Hardinsburg, Ky.
    Posts
    78
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: onboard charger question

    Just add water marine on dixie hwy sell (reman) pro chargers less than half the price of a new one. mine works great and looks just like a new one. its hard to beat a pro-charger. here is their number if needed (502) 937-4291 they are closed on sunday and mondays.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    17
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: onboard charger question

    I have a running charger that charges your trolling motor when the main motor is running. I absolutely love it. Charge you trolling motor at home before your trip and no worries the rest of the weekend. As long as you boat motor is running then you trolling motor battery is charging. If the boat motor is not running, it automatically disconnects the circuit so you don't run your boat motor battery down when trolling. Bass Pro Shop $100. I don't have the model number with me but it is made by Minn Kota

Similar Threads

  1. Reliable onboard charger?
    By hairball in forum Kentucky Discussion Board
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 09-05-2011, 07:32 AM
  2. What brand of onboard charger ?
    By Rock_Fish in forum Kentucky Discussion Board
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 03-10-2010, 11:21 AM
  3. Onboard battery charger.
    By titeloop in forum Boats - Buy, Sell, Discuss
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-29-2009, 03:32 PM
  4. Need Advise on 2 Bank or 3 Bank Onboard Charger
    By td176 in forum Kentucky Discussion Board
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 02-19-2007, 07:07 AM
  5. Cheap single Bank onboard Battery Charger
    By MsgMills in forum Classifieds for Individuals (FREE)
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 02-17-2007, 11:45 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •