Chargers and batteries

[artcarney_agr]

ProMariner is definitely one of the better names. As far as batteries, I believe taking proper care of them is more important than whose name is on it. I've owned boats since 1984 and have never had batteries that I was really displeased with. Take care of them and they'll take care of you.

I agree 100%. I recently purchased the ProMariner 3 bank 5/5/3 and so far it's been okay...and you can't beat the price of it ($110)! You can get chargers with more amps and charge your batteries faster, but really there's not a real need for it unless you need a super fast charge. I have used the Bass Pro Shop brand before too, and never had any issues with it.

Battery life depends on how you take care of them. I've always started charging them as soon as I got home. I check the fluid levels twice a year. That's really not that hard to do. I usually get 4 good years out of my batteries before they start wearing down quicker.

I've never had any issues with the Wal-Mart marine batteries.

[artcarney_agr]

I might make a change in trolling motor batteries. I would really like to try the Optima's but $400 for two batteries seems a bit much and I have been hearing that the newer Optima's haven't been as good as the older ones??? I don't know? I'll do some more research this winter.

I contemplated on that myself last winter.....and came to the conclusion that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[artcarney_agr]

My question is do you guys leave your charger plugged in all the time. never have before, I would plug up and check about once a month. I'm thinking about leaving it plugged up all the time. how much would that be on the electric bill vs replacing batteries more often

I keep mine plugged up all the time, especially in winter if I don't bring them inside.

May want to make sure your charger has some sort of fuse or protection system in place should a cell go dry. My father-in-law's older on-board charger burned out a bank due to a dry cell.