On Board Charger(s) Help

[Hawker]

I've got somewhat of a dilemma that I know some of you can help with. To some it may seem overkill with the number of batteries involved, but bear with me please.

I'm looking at a total of seven batteries in the boat. I do have the room, weight capacity etc so none of that is a problem. I plan on using four batteries solely dedicated for the trolling motor, one battery solely for electronics, one battery solely for large bait tank and one battery solely for the big motor.

The battery configuration for the trolling motor will be batt 1 will be paralleled to batt 1-a, batt 2 will be paralleled to batt 2-a, a jumper from positive of batt 1 to negative of batt 2. This will give me my 24 volts for my trolling motor and capacity to run the trolling motor for long and extended periods.

I have two three (3) bank on board chargers, one a Minn Kota, the other a Bass Pro brand, both are 15 amp (5 amp per bank) chargers. Initially my thoughts were to connect all batteries expecpt the big motor battery to the chargers, BUT,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, can I do this without damaging the chargers where I have the batteries paralleled?? I know I won't have a problem where the bait tank and electronics batteries are concerned because they are isolated from each other, it's the paralleled ones that concern me.

Any thoughts, ideas, experience in regards?? Just in passing, both onboard chargers are connected to one recessed male plug in on the boat, but I don't really see that as being relevant.

Thanks!!

[Hot Runr Guy]

Steve,
If I had your money, here's what I'd do. Sell one of the 3-bank chargers, and get a 4-bank for the TM batteries. Then, use a disconnect to "break" the jumper connections between the parallel-wired batteries, so that each charger bank only sees 1 battery, not a combination of two. I know people will argue that a charger will charge both parallel-wired batteries at the same time, but unless you "break" the jumper, there is no way to guarantee that battery 1 is not influenced by battery 1A, and so on.
Here's an example of a disconnect that could easily be used inline with the jumper(s) http://gamainc.com/cgi-bin/products.cgi?item=BS100

HRG

[Cape Cod Basser]

Hawker,

Just get the Diehard platinums series 31. I have an 80lb thrust, 24 volt Minnkota riptide. I am on the TM all day long for 8-10 hours. If I'm home by 5:00pm, these batteries are charged by 9:00pm. They are super. I have one platinum that runs livewells, two fishfinders, a handheld gps, stereo, and cranks the battery. Plenty of juice. During the summer months, when i have smallies in the well, I run my livewells all day long. I would try these batteries first without the extras. Why have the added weight?

[Knot Tellin]

since you have your batteries in parrallel to create 24 volts it shouldn't be an issue, you are just increasing your available amps. Just set one charger up to charge a 24volt system. It will take them longer to charge them because there is 4 battiers but it should still work. Your not exceeding 24 volts unless you put them in series.

[Hawker]

Steve,
If I had your money, here's what I'd do. Sell one of the 3-bank chargers, and get a 4-bank for the TM batteries. Then, use a disconnect to "break" the jumper connections between the parallel-wired batteries, so that each charger bank only sees 1 battery, not a combination of two. I know people will argue that a charger will charge both parallel-wired batteries at the same time, but unless you "break" the jumper, there is no way to guarantee that battery 1 is not influenced by battery 1A, and so on.
Here's an example of a disconnect that could easily be used inline with the jumper(s) http://gamainc.com/cgi-bin/products.cgi?item=BS100

HRG

LMAO HRG! I wish I had the money you think I have, but alas,,,,,,,,,,,,,,!! I like the idea of "breaking" the jumper(s). That would eliminate any influence of one charger to another and any possible damage that might occur to the chargers. I looked at the disconnect you linked to, but I already have two of these (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003549BO4/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00144BF9Q&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1VMKBAHN8QX5AA638XGB) which would do exactly the same thing I think.

I appreciate your input, as well as the others and it's great to know that when one has a problem or dilemma, WC'rs can almost always come thru for ya! Thanks!!

[REW]

Hawker,
If you are going to use 4-batteries for your trolling motor battery, why don't you get 4-6 volt golf cart batteries - hook them in series for the trolling motor battery.

Then, get a group 31 for your bait tank.
A group 31 for your electronics.
A group 31 for your motor.

Since you already have a 3-bank charger, use the 3-bank charger for the 3-group 31 12 volt batteries.

Then, get one additional 1-bank 24 volt charger for the 24 volt battery made up of the 4-6 volt batteries. You will have much better luck in battery life by keeping the batteries in series - rather than parallel. With a parallel battery setup, you can't guarentee each battery charging properly.

Take care
REW

[REW]

Hawker,
The big 6 volt golf cart batteries, give almost double the capacity of the typical group 31 batteries.

Take care
REW