Is it possible to recharge trolling motor batteries from alternator??

[grandpakeys]

First boat novice here!! Be gentle. I've got a 16 ft fishing boat with two trolling motor batteries. Merc 60 charges starter battery but NOT the trolling morot batteries. Previous owner garaged boat and charged there. I have a slip and would have to pack batteries home to recharge -- a sad tale, to be sure.

Any ideas about piggy backing off the alternator? Am I looking for trouble? Are there any common solutions that this novice might try? Thanks all for setting "this old back" on the right solution path.

Grandpa

 

[steelespike]

Re: Is it possible to recharge trolling motor batteries from alternator??

Problem is depending on the year the motor output probably is relatively low.
It generally takes 2 hours of charge for every hour of use and you want to charge 2 deep cycle batteries + the starter battery.Not enough output.Even if you were using only one battery the charge from the motor would be hardly noticeable against any serious troller use.
Then if the batteries are in a series, 24 volts, you have that problem.
A solar charger would have to be as big as the boat to do anything.
The only way I see is to take them home and it should be done after each use.It is bad for the batteries to sit partially discharged.
There my be someone with better info than I have so sit tight.

 

[ziemann]

Re: Is it possible to recharge trolling motor batteries from alternator??

If you Google Dual Pro Chargers- you will see a series of chargers called their Xtreme Series. They will switch over and charge a deep cycle battery after your starting battery is fully topped off (while you are under way). But, it would take quite a while to top off a trolling motor battery.... The Dual Pro Chargers are fantastic.....

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Is it possible to recharge trolling motor batteries from alternator??

Sadly, that trick never works for charging trolling motor batteries. I know one guy who keeps his boat in a slip, but with no shore power. He takes a small gasoline generator with him and can charge his trolling motor batteries on the water. It sounds funny, I know, but they really just sip fuel and aren't too loud.

This wouldn't work, of course on some little 12' boat, but for a larger boat, it's an option. Most of the small generators have a 12 volt output, but it's not well-regulated, so a 120 volt charger would be a better choice.

It's a thought. If your marina does have shore power, then your problem is solved, and you can charge with an automatic charger using that power. The charger will shut off when the charge is complete.

 

[grandpakeys]

Re: Is it possible to recharge trolling motor batteries from alternator??

I appreciate your help. Looks like I pack 'em up the 50 stairs. I thought solar might be the answer but, after research, you are correct, very costly and large. Thanks again.

 

[grandpakeys]

Re: Is it possible to recharge trolling motor batteries from alternator??

No shore power --- Looks like I will become a pack mule -- until my grandson s become old enough.

 

[grandpakeys]

Re: Is it possible to recharge trolling motor batteries from alternator??

Thanks -- I'll check it out.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Is it possible to recharge trolling motor batteries from alternator??

How far from an AC power source is the boat?