On Board charger questions?

[parratt1]

Hey there,<br />I just did a search and came up with a whole bunch of answers to this question, but I cannot seem to get it thru my head for some reason. <br /> Here goes. I have a pontoon and am running all of my accesories (fish finder, stereo,lights etc) off of my cranking battery. I also have a 24 volt Minn Kota that I am running off two seperate batteries wired for 24 volts. My question is I am going to buy my first ever on board charger and am at a loss on what I need. Since I have 3 batteries do I need a 3 bank? 2 bank? I keep my boat about an hour north of here in a slip on the lake (with electric). Will need to be able to leave it plugged in for a week at a time since I usually only get up there on the weekends. Any suggestions on brand model?<br />Thanks<br />Jeremy

 

[LubeDude]

Re: On Board charger questions?

You need a charger that will charge both 24 and 12 volts, I like Guest chargers, there customer service is like nothing I have ever seen. I think you can get one that has both capabilities.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: On Board charger questions?

It depends on whether you want to charge the starting battery as well as both trolling batteries. So -- to charge all three you need a three bank. Now -- make absolutely certain the charger you buy is 12 AND 24V capable. Just as your batteries are wired in series, so will two pairs of outputs from the charger be wired in series (although attached to the batteries). If the charger does not have isolated grounds, it won't work on 24V. If you only want to charge the two trollers, you only need a two bank but the same "isolated ground" situation exists. On the up side, most better two and three bank charges today have isolated grounds.

 

[parratt1]

Re: On Board charger questions?

Definately want to charge all three. Looks like the guest 2613 might be what I am looking for? 3 bank 12/24.