On-board charger

[yankee]

Does anyone have a 2-bank onboard battery charger they would like to sell?  Let me know please.

[Juan]

I'd think it's going to be hard if not next to impossible to find a working used onboard charger. After installing one, most people just consider it "part of the boat" and leave it mounted unless it stops working. That said, I may still have a 2 bank charger I took out of an old boat after one bank quit working that's yours if you want to come get it. Probably isn't worth what it would cost to ship it next door.
BPS and Cabella's carry MinnKota chargers (among others). I have three and "knock on wood" never had a issue with them.

[yankee]

I appreciate the offer Juan, but I found one local on Craig's List. Cabella's brand, looks good, haven't tested it yet? $100...Life's a gamble!!

[Juan]

I hope it works for ya! New MinnKota 2 bank , 5 amp chargers have gone up a bit since I bought mine.. I think I paid $119.. they're now $149.

[yankee]

This is a 12 amp. Had to clean up the in-line fuse holders a bit. Charging the batteries now. Seems to functioning as designed.

[Juan]

I should have said 10 amp. (5 amp per bank). Sounds like you found a winner. Are you charging two trolling motor batteries with it? IMO it may take a bit longer to charge the batteries but your batteries will last a lot longer with a slow charge of 5 or 6 amps compared to a fast charge with the more expensive chargers that have 10 - 20 charging amps.

[yankee]

Yes, charging both at the same time @ 6 amps each. Here is a quick question for you. Do you let your TM batteries get low before charging, or do you charge after each outing. Some of my outings don't use much juice as other outings, but I still charge after each trip.

[Juan]

I do as you do and charge after every trip. I believe that's the recommended procedure for a longer battery life. The thing I DO NOT do is keep my onboard chargers plugged in all the time. I normally charge over night or unplug the chargers when the charger's full charge indicator light comes on. I know onboard chargers are designed to remain plugged in and they go into a maintenance mode after the batteries are charged and a lot of folks elect to keep them plugged in but in my mind there's always the chance of a short circuit that might cause a fire (Just ask Simpleman ) so better safe than sorry and unplug imo.

[yankee]

Exactly as I do myself. Thanks for all your help.