Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

[BlackKnight755]

I dont remember what the name of the onboard charger that has the built in circuitry to charge the batteries while your outboard is running is, so can some of you guys help me? I have read about "add on" electronic chargers also, that ONLY charge when the outboard is running. Please post if you know the name of the unit(s) that I am trying to find.<br /><br />I am trying to find a unit(s) that will charge the trolling batteries along with the cranking battery when I move from spot to spot on the lake. I know that the amount of "juice" going back into the trolling batteries will be a small amount, but if I can find an onboard system that is a good smart charger and has the capability to charge on the water as well, I think that I will go with it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

I think you are confused about charging equipment. First, your engine will automatically charge the starting battery as you probably are aware. If you add a battery switch (Perko for example) you will have the option of charging either or both batteries while running. On board chargers are simply battery chargers with some intelligence to prevent overcharging when the charger is plugged into an AC outlet during storage or at the dock. If you are thinking of an "Inverter" that connects to a battery, converts 12 V to 110 AC so you can plug in a smart charger to charge the batteries -- think about it. You use battery power to charge a battery after doing a very energy inefficient energy conversion. Perpetual motion hasn't been invented yet. Solar panels are out of the question as well as they simply don't have enough amperage output to make a difference in a short period of time. They are best used as a "maintainer" for storage purposes. There are many good "Smart Chargers" but these are as I said, battery chargers powered by AC. Unless you drag a power cord behind the boat they provide no benefit away from shore. All you really need is a battery switch to do what you want to do. $30 bucks or so here on iBoats.

 

[Bill-MO]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

I believe the charging system you are referring to is Stay'n Charge. They have systems to charge trolling motor batteries from the outboard and from the tow vehicle. I don't own one, so don't don't know how well they work.<br /><br /> http://www.stayncharge.com/

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

what outboard do you have, this info will help very much

 

[BlackKnight755]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

*myoutboards* I have a Mercury 2.5 EFI 200 HP.<br /><br />*Bill-Mo* Thanks, but I went to that site and that wasn't it. I finally found the one I was talking about by going through old Bassmaster Mags.<br /><br />*Upinsmoke* Sir, first of all I was not in the least "confused" about charging equipment, I simply did not know/remember the manufacturers name. <br /><br />1) I didnt want to use a "switch" for fear of overcharging a deep cycle battery. My engine has a high output charging system.<br /><br />2)On board chargers are NOT simply battery chargers with some intelligence to prevent overcharging when the charger is plugged into an AC outlet as you will see if you go to the provided link. This goes back to the reference that I made about "smart chargers".<br /><br />3)The comment about inverters and perpetual motion is something that you came up with, not me. I NEVER mentioned anything about plugging into an inverter.<br /><br />4)No mention was made about a solar panel either, don't know where that one came from.<br /><br />5)Speaking of confusion... What is the benefit of dragging a power cord behind the boat? Is this some new way to produce enough electricity to power the "Onboard smart charger" that you say is not beneficial away from shore.<br /><br />I think the thing that you probably should have done is offer the possible answer to my question as "Bill-Mo" did or ask for more info as "myoutboards" did or keep the not-so-smart remarks to yourself.<br /><br />These are the "smart charger and add on charger" that I was talking about.<br /> Charger Add on Charger<br /><br />Upinsmoke I hope that you will go to the above listed sites and look at and READ about both of these pieces of equipment. I hope that I did not offend you by my reply to your comments any more than you offended me, I will leave it at that. BK

 

[lrice01]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

Blackknight755,<br /><br />Check out www.stealth1charging.com and <br />www.stealthcharging.com<br /><br />They both offer similar units, at some point the individuals at these companies were partners, as I understand. Both offer onboard charging using your outboard's alternator to charge your batteries. I know a few people who have the charging units from the "Stealth 1" company and they just rave about them.<br /><br />Lee

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

Good heavens read what you wrote! You said "I have read about "add on" electronic chargers that ONLY charge when the outboard is running. Please post if you know the name of the unit(s) that I am trying to find. [Did you ever see an engine that charged when it was not running?]<br />You asked for information but since "you" didn't know what you were looking you expected everyone to read between the lines and figure out exactly what you were after. Anyone with a little sense of humor would know I was kidding when I suggested dragging an extension cord behind the boat. Solar panels are asked about frequently and I'm a user of one that works nicely in my non-boating application. My AC on-board charger is a smart charger. You didn't say you didn't want to use a switch. It is true perpetual motion hasn't been invented yet and you wouldn't believe how many times the inverter issue is brought up. As for answers to your question based on the information you gave us, I gave you a couple of options - some real, some humorous, and some not practical. I at least gave you more information than you gave us. Have a nice day and boat safely.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

The 'add on charger' is a fancy way to sell a VSR, that's all it is.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

General rule of thumb 2 hours of charge for each hour of trolling use.Unless you are doing some serious driving between spots I wonder how much help this will be.<br />BK you have a lot of nerve slapping a guy trying to help and have a little fun at the same time.I believe the posting instructions say give as much info as possible.<br /> You gave none.Not even an indication of if your motors output was 1 amp or 100 amps.Upinsmoke didn't say hey stupid your confused he just suggested he thought you were confused.He wasn't harsh and you were back.Sounds like a fear of being percieved dumber than you acted in your reply to upinsmoke.

 

[BlackKnight755]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

*Upinsmoke* Sir, it is obvious that you and I operate on a different level of humor and realism. I did not ask for sarcasm, I asked for a simple name. You and I could go back and forth at one another from now on and we would not gain anything but to spark other smart remarks from people like steelespike.<br /><br />*steelespike* Sir, I though that you were going to have something of use to add to this thread when I read the first sentence, but I was wrong. I disected the whole post from him and told him piece by piece what I thought. I do not care that you think that I have nerve for speaking to someone like I did. He had no problem getting on here and speaking to me the way that he did. You sir have no reason to add to this thread in the way that you did, fanning the flames so to speak. If you had added some tidbit of useful information and left it at that, it would have been better, but you too had to attempt to belittle someone that you know nothing about nor have you ever met.<br /><br />I thought that this was a forum where you could post a question and hopefully another boater may have a bit of helpful information to offer to you without alot of attempted humiliation.<br /><br />**For Upinsmoke, steelespike and ANYONE else that feels the way that they do and feels that they must bash me in my post** I am leaving this little tidbit for you... if you can figure it out. "Gurab écen mér dot múnad in airecht."<br /><br />Thanks to ALL who have helped me with the sites and suggestions. BK

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

You may be looking for something like Dual Pro SE Extreme, or Dual Pro Extreme ... sold by Cabelas, as well as others. <br /><br /> http://www.dualpro.com/ <br /><br />I think the concept is good, but I'd be skeptical of actual results ...

 

[Wiggy]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

(may it be * necessary * finger * for your * pointing out * in * assembly)<br /><br />May you be beneath notice. May you be insignificant.<br /><br />From Félire Óengusso 96.15.<br /><br />What do I win, please give me a prize ;o)

 

[i8skeerd]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

I clicked on this thread because I thought I would learn something, boy did I, *BK* Sir, your a Jerk. You are never gonna get any assistance acting that way, good thing I don't run this website, I'd kick your *** off.

 

[BassCat73]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

Man! I read and re-read the first post by Upinsmoke. ... ... I tried to look at it as if I had a thin skin and was easily bothered by things. I guess I could've been unhappy with some of the comments, but that's only if I took them personally. Upinsmoke was making "humor" directed, not at YOU Black, but humor in general known as sarcasm (very, very light sarcasm at that). The reason others, like myself, have posted in this thread is because we've got our iboat brother's backs. When you make uncalled for heated posts against someone who is respected, well... expect some responses. Upinsmoke has helped me on several occasions (thank you!) and I know he has taken the time to help many others too. Black, you gotta relax man! If you want to start fights, go somewhere else, but on these technical forums, people are here to help, first and foremost.

 

[BlackKnight755]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

*i8skeered* Sir, you too have added nothing to this thread that is of any use. You posted inflamatory statements without any provication from me what so ever. I may be a jerk, but you don't "run this website" so I think that I will just keep posting till those that do run it kick my *** off.<br /><br />*Basscat73* Sir, if your "brother" had posted something other than what he did I would not have responded as I did and you nor anyone else would not have to defend his "back." As for wanting to start a fight, I do not hide behind a computer keyboard.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

*BlackKnight755* Sir, you need to take a pill, or two. Sounds like you are a little insecure or embarrased about being perceived as not knowing something. Don't be, that's the reason we are all here, to learn something. I have read and re-read the reply from upinsmoke and can't for the life of me see how you can justify your response to him. The members on this forum volunteer their time to try and help others when and however they are able. Yes there is occassional humour and sarcasm but that's what keeps things interesting as well. Your approach in seeking assistance will not get you very far on this forum. Lighten up man !!!

 

[BassCat73]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

You are the one who changed the focus of this thread Black. You focussed on the humor, took it personally and attacked Upinsmoke. I know you don't care about what others think in this forum. you're only in it to get answers for yourself. That's fine until you attack someone while you "hide behind a keyboard". Sometimes it's good to stand your ground, stand up for what you believe in. But this is not one of those times. If you can't hack the humor, then try adding a footnote, something like this: "Straight replies only – no colorful comments or humor is tolerated". And then see what happens.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

Time to drop it boys and press on.<br /> We'll never be right and BK will never be wrong.

 

[BlackKnight755]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

*RodC* Sir, you too have added nothing to the thread that is of any use, just keeping the banter going. Had I been insecure or embarrased I would never have posted the question in the first place. I wanted a simple name of a piece of equipment, that is all.<br /><br />*BassCat73* Sir, I am not the one that chose to post unrelated replies and views. I stated my opinion to Upinsmoke and as far as I was concerned it was over, then several people had to put there $.02 worth in, NOT ABOUT THE THREAD TOPIC, but what they thought that I should do, how I should post, what a jerk I was and so forth. If everyone would let it go, the thread will die, if not I am sure that a moderator will sooner or later read the thread and step in.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Charging the Batteries with the Outboard?

Peace already! Opinions have been formed and will not likely be changed on either side of this debate. I do not contribute to this forum to deliberately insult or to be critical. I will argue a point if I know I'm right, and will say maybe or possibly if I'm not absolutely certain about a topic and will not respond at all if I have no interest or knowledge about the topic. Having said that, many contributors to this forum have at times responded in a way that offends and wishes that response had either not been posted or was written in a different way. Not because it was inappropriate (although that happens) but rather simply because it offended someone when no harm was intended. I will speculate a little in this instance that the word "confused" directed to a Type A personality has resulted in this thread becoming what it has. Sort of like stepping on the toes of someone with a low threshold of pain. Unfortunately intent and humor can't always be determined in the written word and it should not be necessary to add smiley faces or frown faces to indicate that. In this case "confused" was used in the context of confusion over the various charging methods and capabilities -- not that BK was confused in the clinical sense. In this case it was likely neither meaning. BK apparently knew what he wanted but didn't convey that request in the clearest of terms. I content this entire thread could have been probably been two or three responses maximum if we were given more detail. I have just one last point regarding Smart Chargers. That's a very generic term for any charging device with the capability of not overcharging a battery of conventional or "intelligent" design. Yes -- there are intelligent batteries too. Type "Smart Charger" into your Yahoo or Google search and see what you turn up. While you will likely turn up many products with the brand name "Smart Charger" you will also turn up a whole bunch of Smart Chargers for anything from cell phones to computer batteries. I'm done! Make sure the plug is installed!