Using 8hp trolling to charge house batteries

[fondafj]

My current setup:<br /> Twin outboards - 4 batteries<br /> - One starting per engine, both switchable <br /> 1, 2 or both. Each engine charges it's <br /> own battery.<br /> - 2 "house" batteries switchable 1, 2, or <br /> both. Charged by 1 engine only.<br /> - 3 battery charger wired to both starting <br /> batteries and one "house" battery.<br /> Requires switch position in both position <br /> to charge both "house" batteries. <br />What I need:<br />I run an 8 hp trolling motor with an 6 amp alternator kit to troll for hours on end. How would I utilize the 8 hp to keep both of my "house" batteries topped off while trolling? Would an isolator work?

 

[Omega-1]

Re: Using 8hp trolling to charge house batteries

Centsless,<br />Let me see if I understand your set up. You have two starting batteries charged by each engine and two house batteries connected to the starting batteries in the "both" switch position for charging purposes. You want to connect your 6 amp alternator to charge your house batteries during trolling operation. Here is what I suggest: Close the connection of the house batteries to the starting batteries; place a separate switch to both position for the house batteries and connect this switch to the alternator kit. Be sure that the switch is on to the house batteries from the alternator of your trolling motor before you start the trolling motor, to prevent possible burnout of the alternator. <br />If you place an isolator in the system isolating the house batteries from the other batteries, you will defeat the charging system you have installed. This is my take on your situation. Hope it helps. Good luck, be safe!

 

[fondafj]

Re: Using 8hp trolling to charge house batteries

Omega-1<br /> I had come to the same conclusion about utilizing an additonal switch but it leaves opportunity for me to have one of my stupid attacks and get the switches in the wrong position. Thanks

 

[Omega-1]

Re: Using 8hp trolling to charge house batteries

Centless,<br />To prevent errors in switching, try this: type up a start up procedure list for your switches and clearly label each of the switches. An error in switching may cost you an alternator. When you get ready to start your engine, go through your check out list to make sure all switches are correct before starting any of your engines.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Using 8hp trolling to charge house batteries

That little motor only makes those 6 amps at a fairly high RPM, unless you troll very fast it may only put out 1 or 2. It should keep up with the draw from some small devices though.

 

[fondafj]

Re: Using 8hp trolling to charge house batteries

ondarvr,<br /> Good point, since my trolling motor is quite small for the size of the boat it runs pretty hard to make my troll speed.... usually 1/2 to 2/3 throttle. I will be going down in prop size to help it out some which will increase the RPM's for the same speed. Usually I only need to make up for the FF, VHF and chartplotter but occasionally I start out running the RADAR and running lights. The setup has lots of amp hrs to offer but the temporary slip I use has no power available for recharging.