Battery Charger for my Crappie Boat

[Big Wally]

I am going to install a on-board battery charger and have a starting battery and two batteries for my 12 v. trolling motor. I think I need a 3 bank charger with 10 amps / bank (maybe 15). I have heard the Minn Kota and Dual Pro make great ones. I have looked at the Dual Pro site and see their chargers come in different series. What are your suggestions. I'm hoping I can can buy from a sponser that offers good service if needed. Thanks for any help that you can offer in telling me what I need for good quality and longevity.

[jigflinger]

MinnKota: MK330D

[Cray]

[Rees Guide]

Do they make the three bank in the 15 amp?? Like a minn kota MK345?? I have a minn kota MK460 and am very pleased.

["G"]

I have a MinnKota 330D and its great.....I used to have a DualPro but I like the MinnKota better.

[jigflinger]

Yep. MK345D.

[jigflinger]

I think the MK345D is the size of the 460.

[Bronson]

I've used the Dual Pro for years and just upgraded. They stand behind their product and have been great to work with. Didn't know made a charger but sounds like it has some good reviews. They were great to work with when I sent my Fortrex back to be worked on. Sounds like either one should suit you and I'm guessing you might save a little bit with MK.

Since he's used both, I would defer to "G" on this one.

[Big Wally]

Thanks for your help on this matter. Should I use both trolling motor batteries tied together to run my 12v. trolling motor or keep the batteries separate maybe using a marine switch? If tying them together, would I also charge them off the same bank with a 2 bank charger or still charge them with a 3 bank. What is best? Also if you charge them off the same bank of the charger, wouldn't it take a long charge time? Seems there is also some discussion between 10 and 15 amp/bank chargers. Reckon which one might be better. Can you charge a battery too quick with the 15 amp charge?

[Corker]

Never used a MK charger, but I have this 2-bank Dual Pro in the front and a 3-bank in the back (2 sets of batteries for a 24v system + starter battery). Power cords are hooked together & chargers are always connected to batteries, so all I have to do after a trip is connect the extension cord dedicated to that hook-up. These units work perfectly and I would recommend them to all crappie fishermen.

You'll find different points of view about amp ratings. As you can see, my DPs put out 6 amps per bank. That has always been sufficient to cook my batteries back to a full charge from the time I'm home from a trip until I get up the next morning. And...I mostly fish TMO lakes, so the batteries are used constantly, taking me to the fish, slow trolling all day, and getting me back to the ramp at sunset.



For aluminum boats, the DP chargers have the added advantage of a plastic case which cannot cause electrolysis when you mount it on the hull or other aluminum surface.