on board Charger?

[bebeard]

good day all,

I am working on learning about my new boat, its a bass boat. Challenger Mark IV 18ft. It has a Merc 1500 150 hp power tilt/trim. Great boat, just working out all the kinks and learning more about it. I found this "panel" in the gas tank compartment, but don't see an onboard charger, should I be looking for something else? or does the motor itself charge the battery?

Thanks,

Brook

[Captmikestarrett]

No that is an isolater switch for the trolling batterys. Flip to 12 volt before charging..

Capt Mike

[bebeard]

Hello and Thanks...

I am unsure what an Isolator switch is... I only have one battery..... and I am assuming when you say flip to 12 volt before charging, I am assuming before charging with external charger?

Would / Does my battery charge while running? I would think so?

Brook

[bothomas]

You only have one battery?? You have a trolling motor??

[bebeard]

Yes, I only have one battery! Should I add another?

Yes I have a trolling motor...

[bothomas]

If you plan on doing some serious fishing I think I would add a battery for the tm. The ideal setup would be add a battery and get a 2 bank charger. Even though the motor charges the main battery it still needs to have a good charge put on it periodically... Just my .02

[bebeard]

hi bothomas..

Thank you for the tips, I have been thinking about it, but wasn't sure if it is necessary?

Any suggestions on a 2 bank charger?

Thanks again,

Brook

[bothomas]

I had to put one in my last boat. I boat it at gander mtn. I think it was a prosport. I would keep it simple. No need to get a big 10 amp per bank that switches power to which ever one needs it the most. More than likely the boat is going to be sitting on charge all week until the weekend any way right? BTW, it is recommended to leave the charger plugged in all the time, but check the batteries periodically to make sure they don't dry out from being charged constantly.

[stevomac59]

Most Boats charge themselves when running. The friction betwen the prop. and the axle, create energy which is converted and stored into battery power. I would suggest in getting a seperate battery for your trolling motor, it can be smaller than that of the main battery(trolling motor uses less energy than the actual motor).

I also agree with BOTHOMAS. Be aware that constant charging can wear out the battery. If I were you, I would check if the battery about 2 days b4 your next fishing trip. If it still has some juice in it, don't worry to much about it; when the motor is running, it will charge it. Although having a good charged battery never hurts either .

-stevo

[lowrider]

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...p?id=cat600056

look around on this link. surely you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
(love my minnkota dual bank)

ps i have 3 batts, 1 dual bank charger and 1 single bank. when i come in from a fishing trip i plug them in and leave it. the last set of batteries lasted over 5 years

[1FASTLASER]

You definately without a doubt need at least 1 more battery and preferably 2. A 18ft boat actually needs a 12/24 troling motor to move effectively and move for long periods of time. That motor will charge your battery at a rate of 16 amps if memory serves me right. You still need to manually charger after every other trip.

[bebeard]

Thank you everyone,

I appreciate all the help! I am looking into a dual bank charger right now.

brook

[zooker]

i charge the troller battery after every use. i charge the cranking battery once a month.

zooker