HELP with battery charging.

fishray · Mar-18-2007, 05:55 PM

I have two batteries on my boat. what do you recomend for an onboard charging system. (Do I need it) It is with twin outboard motors.I have bait tank , radar, gps ,sonor , etc.
THANKS.

Double Z · Mar-18-2007, 06:20 PM

What do you mean by, "Onboard charging system?" If it's for while in a slip or in storage then, yes, a charger is a great idea. If it's for on the water, you should be charging while the motors are slightly above idle.

fishray · Mar-18-2007, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Z

What do you mean by, "Onboard charging system?" If it's for while in a slip or in storage then, yes, a charger is a great idea. If it's for on the water, you should be charging while the motors are slightly above idle.

What if the motors are not on for a long time (over night) and the baith tank and other electronics or on. with that kill the batteries?

**Ali** · Mar-18-2007, 06:49 PM

If you have fourstokes, a charger really isn't necessary IMO.

If they are two strokes, I'd drop in a guest dual battery charger.

Double Z · Mar-18-2007, 09:07 PM

If you run out of juice on the water, the only way to save your butt is a generator or solar. I guess I'm not understanding the question. If you are running the motors, then they are charging. You don't need a charger for this since the alternator is providing the service. If want to sit for a long time with the engines off then you'd better have a pull start generator or solar to put the juice back in if you get below the point of being able to start your engine/s.

Now, if you are looking for something to plug into at the house or in a slip with the motor off then by all means, get a battery charger.

tuna taxi · Mar-18-2007, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Z

If want to sit for a long time with the engines off then you'd better have a pull start generator or solar to put the juice back in if you get below the point of being able to start your engine/s.

Is it possible to pull start a 200hp 2 stroke?

bubbapug1 · Mar-18-2007, 10:37 PM

You want and need two types of batteries on your boat, a cranking battery for starting your engines, and a deep cycle battery for running your electronics. The two batteries should be wired to a selector switch that allows them to be operated separetly. The high output battery is used to start the motor, while the deep cycle battery is used to run the electronics while the engine is off..

It is not fun to run the bait tank until the battery dies and kill your bait, but its even less fun to run the bait tank until the engines won't start and your dragging anchor or worse.

Starting batteries and deep cycle batteries are construced differently and each is made for its duty cycle.

If you want to charge the batteries you need to run the engine or plug into 110V...maybe you could use a solar panel while away from the dock, but I am not up on that technology. I advise you pick up a copy of Nigel Calder's Boatowner's mechanical and Electrical manual...its really got a lot of answers to questions like yours...and more.

Jack M · Mar-19-2007, 08:33 AM

I have a ProSport 12 2 Bank On-Board Charger. My engine is a 200 HP Johnson which has a 30 Amp charging system. It does a good job keeping the batteries charged. I get out fishing 4-5 times a month and do overnighters. That said, I want my batteries fully charged. Prior to the On-Board Charger, I had to reach in the bilge and top off each battery one at a time just to make sure. Being parked next to the house and having the On-Board makes it so easy. Just run an extension cord from the garage and plug it into the special installed outlet. My personal opinion, Get One. I got this one from Cabalas. Good luck. Jack

MacAttack · Mar-19-2007, 08:52 AM

I'll second the dual battery - dual purpose thing. Got a monster (about 50% bigger than I really needed) Deep Cycle RV battery to run the electricals and a fair sized Die Hard to do the engine cranking.

I even bought a small lawn tractor battery for my bow box - just in case. It's quite a bit of weight in my little skiff, but I hate getting stuck and I hate killing bait - especially at today's prices.

Of course I've got it easy with a small outboard and yes, the rope works. I have zero idea of how many cranking amps it takes to start a 225, but I'd keep one battery of that size - isolated and fully charged, prior to my trip.

I've seen guys with those little Coleman jumper boxes - they're worthless.

Dirtguy · Mar-19-2007, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuna taxi

Is it possible to pull start a 200hp 2 stroke?

Only if you've got arms like Popeye!

Try rope starting a BBC!!

I got one arm 6" longer than the other!!

DG