On Board Chargers

[dangerous trebles]

I'm a newbie looking of for some help on what type of bank charger is holding up the best for you. Some things I have read show decent results with some and some failing within a year.

I need a three bank that can charge a 24 volt for trolling motor and the 12v for starting. Are the unit's able to charge off the motor when running and then plug in for the overnight charge?

thanks for your help

[ken burk]

Dual pro! Really good product...Ken

[steve0806]

Dual pro! Really good product...Ken

Ditto!

[adamsj13]

+1

[civicrr]

Dual Pro & Minn Kota seem to be the more popular/dependable mainstream brands. Both brands offer options as far as number of banks & watts/bank. For charge on the run with these brands, you buy a separate unit. These units actually use the alternator output from the motor to charge the TM batteries.

An alternative is the Stealth 1 system. Easiest way to describe it is a battery charger that uses DC instead of AC (plug-in) current to charge the batteries. When the starting battery gets over 13volts via charging by alternator or AC (plug-in) charger, it takes DC current & steps it up to charge the TM batteries. For long term storage, Stealth 1 offers a AC charger. The Stealth 1 system, both DC & AC, weigh in @ 10.5lbs. If you prefer, you could use another brand of AC charger.

After a long morning @ Whiskey my 36V system read 32V. Ran back to Disco. Batteries were up to 38V!

[scottsweet]

As mentioned, the Stealth is a technology that has been around for several years now but doesn't have the marketing $$ behind it for many to know about this best kept secret.

The Stealth weighs about 2 lbs for the DC unit and add the AC for another 3 or 4 lbs and you have a system to take care of either your 36V or 48V system (12V cranking and 24 or 36V trolling). This is a true charging system, not a switcher. Add your voltage meter display to your dash and you will always know the condition of your trolling motor batteries. If you already have an AC, its no problem to continue using it and just add the DC unit.

You will always be charging your trolling motor batteries when you run your big motor. You can run a full weekend without having to plug in for most fishing situations.

If you have questions on this, drop me a line.

[civicrr]

BTW, NorCal rep (?) is Mike Osgood @ Equipment Pros 408.821.2948. He might not be a rep but he for sure is a retailer. Good pricing.

[bubba]

I have a 3 bank Cullemrite charger on my Basscat. It works great even for AGM batteries. Its going strong after 7 years. Came as original equipment on Basscats. Charges up my batteries in about 4-5 hours.

[Marc]

In the next issue of Bass Anglers Guide magazine there is an article about the Stealth 1 Charging System. Be sure to check it out.

ciao,
Marc