On board charger

[Pullen724]

Im looking at adding an on board charged to my 2016 242 LS. Looking at the dual bank options. Minnkota seems to have a really nice set of options with 3 year warranties. The part I am struggling with is the size(amps). Im looking at one that does 6amps per bank and one that does 10 amps per banks. There is about $100 difference in the two.

Pros and cons of these two amp ratings other than charging times?

Any cons to faster charging even when not needed? Any guidance or other model options would be greatly appreciated. Running stock (Continental starting batteries) right now. Plan to keep them until they need to be replaced.

Thanks

 

[Bill D]

More amps = faster charge time. Minnkota makes nice chargers, but they're expensive. Just make sure that the charger matches the number of banks you have and the type of batteries you have. Most smart chargers can charge multiple battery types.

 

[2nazt]

Look at the batteries you have as some like a higher amp rating during bulking. It will really help with battery life if you deplete them more prior to charging also. A higher amp charger is nothing no one complains about but a smart charger will extend any battery life even if it does not give the largest amount of amps.

 

[Julian]

I have a Guest 12 amp dual bank charger and am happy with it.

 

[fraserjr]

This is the one I got:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F5EBTGA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Been using it since the fall and so far seems to be performing well.

 

[FloJet]

I have a minn Kota 2 bank charger and it works like a charm. Bought it for $150 sale price.

 

[Bruce]

I really like the Blue Sea BatteryLink chargers. https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/9/119/Battery_Chargers/BatteryLink_Chargers

They have a huge amount of built in functionality from a quality manufacturer.

I have a Guest 2610A that was worked perfectly for three summers despite powering my refrigerator 24/7 nine or more months of the year.

 

[Mainah]

Here is the one I use http://a.co/3gTj7lG. I do like my NOCO but my opinion is that Minn Kota is probably the best. Once you match up banks and amps the difference comes down to smart charging, wether or not they are sealed/potted, and component/build quality.

 

[MicahH]

So I'm a bit of a newbie to my new boat. I have a dual battery set up(2016 AR240), one for starting and other for the system and stereo etc...does the charging system on board not charge the batteries sufficiently? Where do you connect the additional charger for power to maintain the batteries? I've seen the solar trickle chargers...does adding one of these replace the OEM charging system? I like to beach my boat and run the stereo(sub, tower speakers, amp, upgraded 6.5s) while we play on the sand. Will one of these chargers make sure my batteries get topped off? Thanks

 

[Eric Ballard]

So I'm a bit of a newbie to my new boat. I have a dual battery set up(2016 AR240), one for starting and other for the system and stereo etc...does the charging system on board not charge the batteries sufficiently? Where do you connect the additional charger for power to maintain the batteries? I've seen the solar trickle chargers...does adding one of these replace the OEM charging system? I like to beach my boat and run the stereo(sub, tower speakers, amp, upgraded 6.5s) while we play on the sand. Will one of these chargers make sure my batteries get topped off? Thanks

The charging system on your boat does a good job keeping the batteries charged, but the charger/maintainer/conditioner will keep you battery in top shape and charged when you are not using the boat or in situations where you anchor a lot and use more battery than the factory charging system can rebuild.

Sounds like if you go with the chargers you are looking at you should go with the 6 amp version and save some money for gas for the boat .

I use the Cabelas Advanced Angler ProSeries Charger.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabe...d=734095080&CQ_search=battery+charger&CQ_st=b