Onboard charger question

[tommyboyrn]

I am considering an onboard charger but I have a few questions
I have a 16/48 war eagle. I have a starting battery in back and 2 batteries up from dedicated for my TM and 998.
my question is:
1. I will have to place it in an open spot, but the wires may not be easily hidden with the length on unit- so can I put extension wires on them?
2. I have 3 batteries total- 1 for cranking, 1 for TM, and 1 for 998- So would I need 3 banks?
3. what are the best amps per bank? 5 or 10
4. best manufacturers or your recommendations?

Thanks
Tom

[Cray]

You will get several opinions and they will all be good. You will just have to figure out what will work best for you. Now for mine. If it was my boat I would get a 2 bank 10amp and mount it as close to the front batteries as possible. You can run extensions and most charger manfactures sell them but they will have a recommended length. Then I would get me a Single 5amp and put it in the back. I would be trying to eliminate. Any excess wire runs since I assume it is a open boat. If you chose to use a 3 bank I would mount in rear, and run the Gray electrical PVC from rear to front just under the inside of the top rail securing it with some plastic 1/2 clips that are designed for it. I would think 3/4 would probably work but check before buying a complete stick. Hope this helps get you started.

[tommyboyrn]

thanks cray, anyone else? just trying to get ideas

[Corker]

As Cray says, there are different ways to look at this. Nobody likes exposed wires. You also don't want an extra charger if a single unit will get the job done.

All things considered, I like the 2-charger setup. It may not eliminate wiring, however, just change the type. You have to run AC power to each charger. That means 2 extension cords to connect when you return from a trip...or...you run a permanent on-board AC extension to the second charger so you only have to plug in at one point. Whereas voltage drop will be a problem if you create a long run (12-volt) from a 3-bank charger to the most distant battery, there will be almost no voltage drop with the same length of wire if it's carrying 120 volts to the second charger. Since there's very little line loss with a long 120-volt run, you may be able to conceal a longer cable by running it in a less-direct route.

[skeetbum]

I'm on board with Cray. Long wires to the batts from the charge have occasional issues. The extension cords would be the least of my worries. My 5 amp always charges my batts pretty quick, so for my use the bigger ones are overkill. Excess wires always grab stuff at the wrong time, I always kept em to a minimum on my floating beer cans.

[rnvinc]

I prefer the 2 charger setup over a 3 or 4bank charger...

If 1 charger ever goes bad, I still have the other to use while I'm replacing the bad one...

Rickie

[tommyboyrn]

Okay so I've kinda decided to do a 2 bank for up front batts then I will have cranking batt that I can use the little portable quick charger for in back. That sound bout right

[tommyboyrn]

Well changed my mind again, still thinking of 3 bank to eliminate having to take additional charger if going on overnight trips away from home and such. Each charger has 6ft of cable so I may be able to do all 3 banks without excess wire, and I do have capability to hide wire discretely. Is there that much loss using the extension wires to make that much difference. I was wanting plug up and done, versus plug up, plug up. Just curious and wanting more opinions. I will post pics of boat later when home so you can see my current setup

[Barnacle Bill]

They make extensions for them that are the same gauge as what comes with them. Personally I would go 1 gauge bigger to minimize loss.

[tommyboyrn]

heres my boat. I may have to run some extensions if I go the 3 bank route. If you guys think its not a good idea to do that then will go with 2 bank on board and do portable charger i have for the cranking battery. I have no experience in using this stuff or know anything about the power loss associated with extensions.