Charger, on-board or portable

[brevet]

24V Minn kota trolling motor.
I have Die Hard and schumacker 10/2/automatic chargers for regular/deep cycle batteries.
The minn kota on-board unit in my boat has died after a bunch of years.

Other than convenience is there any benefit in purchasing a new on-board?

[wilbur]

It makes it nice when you go outa town all you need is an extension cord.

["G"]

A good onboard charger such as the MinnKota 330D will charge your batteries without boiling the water out and thats a plus.

[brevet]

G. Thanks,, but,, the schu and the diehard both drop to maint. charge. Spec.s on the on-boards SOMETIMES discuss this but most just tell you its 10/10,,5/5 etc.
I have noted some with 24hr turn off and auto mode. but,, that's incorporated into todays good portable chargers. Both of my chargers state,, leave it plugged in for long term trickle charge (para-phrase on my part)

[CatFan]

If the charger says "Automatic", I wouldn't use it. You want the Speed Charge or Ship and Shore chargers.

The convenience of a 3 or 4 bank onboard is hard to beat. Plug it in when you get done fishing and unplug it before you head out.

["G"]

G. Thanks,, but,, the schu and the diehard both drop to maint. charge. Spec.s on the on-boards SOMETIMES discuss this but most just tell you its 10/10,,5/5 etc.
I have noted some with 24hr turn off and auto mode. but,, that's incorporated into todays good portable chargers. Both of my chargers state,, leave it plugged in for long term trickle charge (para-phrase on my part)

Its still not the same.........Your batterys will charge better and last longer with the onboard charger because they are specifically desgned for this.

[TITANSFAN2104]

I think most newer onboards are considered " smart chargers" which are the absolute best because they keep the battery at its optimum level without having to moniter it yourself. Set it and forget it

[gabowman]

Well, I used portable chargers all my life uintil I bought my last boat and it came with an on-board charger. As long as I can afford them I'll ALWAYS have an on-board charger if for nothing else...convenience.

[Corker]

I'm with you bowman. I used to cheap-out with the portable kind, but they were such a PITA. Getting a pair of Dual Pro chargers (2-bank RS2 & 3-bank RS3) was one of the best decisions ever. They have sealed plastic cases, so they're waterproof and electrolysis proof (see this thread for discussion of electrolysis problem.)