Help me pick a charger

[Newbie2009]

Hello,

I need some advice on which charger to purchase. I'm very new to the boating world and even more so when it comes to electronics. I've read practically all the battery charger threads on this forum but still have a question. My current setup is one cranking battery and two trolling batteries (accessories). from what I read posted on this site a few liked the Bass Pro XPS series chargers. Right now they have the 5/5/5, 15 amp, 3-bank charger on sale for $150 or the 10/10, 20amp, 2-bank for $155. Would someone please inform me on which one would best suit my needs? Can I even use the 10/10 charger for 3 batteries? The boat will be kept at my parents house so will it hurt to have this charger connected for multiple days in a row? Anyway thanks for any advice.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Help me pick a charger

You didn't say how your two auxiliary batteries are wired. If they are paralleled (12 volts) then yes, you can use a 10/10. If they are wired in series (24 volts) then you need a three bank. Starting batteries do not generally need a 10 amp charger output so it becomes an expensive connection if that battery never uses anywhere near that rate of charge..

 

[garry]

Re: Help me pick a charger

I'd pick the 3 bank charger, each battery will be charged. My current setup is a 2 bank charger on the two trolling motor batteries and a different small battery maintainer on the starter battery, if I had it to do over I would go with the 3 bank setup.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Help me pick a charger

A three bank charger is best but as silver said if the trolling batteries are not in serries (24 volts) then a 2 bank charger will work.

Personally I would not use less than a 10 amp charger on trolling motor batteries or house batteries as when discharged it takes to long to fully charge. The longer it is discharged the more damage is done.