Charging Batteries on the run

[John N]

CSI makes the Pro Xtra for around $100, and Bass Pro has a comparable unit for $90, to charge batteries with the excess charging capacity of your outboard. Both advertise that the capacity, and amps per bank (I have a two bank 24v trolling motor) are a function of your outboard's excess capacity after the cranking battery has a full buzz on. Anybody have any idea what my '99 Merc 115 two stroke has for excess alternator capacity that would be delivered to the trolling motor batteries? I have an onboard charger (Guest 2623) that takes care of 'em after I get home, but some days I could use a little more power on the water. I wonder what to expect from one of these systems with my rig. Anybody have any idea? Thanks in advance. John.

[REW]

None --
In general - on board charging - for trolling motor batteries - are to a large degree a waste of time and money.

The problem simply boils down to time.
The situation is like this -- for every 2-4 hours of trolling that you might use your trolling motor for -- you might be running your big motor at a rate fast enough to generate "ANY" extra charge for about 10-15 minutes. A 10-15 minute charge - even - if you happened to have a 30 amp alternator -- not common - and even that wouldn't be enough to bring your trolling motors up to full charge.

Save your money - and simply clip on the charger overnight when you get in.

Now, if you are in Canada - where you are away from a remote charger - you are talking a different story. If you do do a lot of trolling in some non electrified site - you might have to think very strongly about doing such a thing. However - even in that case -- I suspect that you would be cheaper in the long run - if you simply brought along a small gasoline powered generator. They wouldn't take much gas - and you could simply plug in your on board charger - or carry along battery charger - and let the generator run overnight - to bring the batteries back.

Better yet - forget about the electric trolling motor in canada - and use the kicker.


Take care

REW

[Mal]

I had one put on my boat and found out that it wasn't much good except for one instance. That is when I had a couple of long runs on the lake (10+ miles one way) and then it did fine. Runs shorter did not allow enough time for the engine to charge the trolling batteries. However, I am happy with it for I did not have to charge the trolling batteries during that 2 week fishing trip.

[John N]

REW and Mal, thanks for your thoughts. Think I'll keep my $100 and go with what I have. Good fishing, John.

[Jim/UT]

I have the Navigator onboard charger and it works pretty much as described. I have the Merk 115 2+2 with 20A alternator. I do 80% of my fishing with the electric troller so I depend on battery life quite heavily. If I have a battery that just isn't cutting it I will troll with the gas for a while (2-3hours) to perk it up, seems to work. On multi day trips away from power it starts to have some value, especially if I am taking some 20 mile runs down Lake Powell or Flaming Gorge. When used in this manner I've gone 5 days with no power and my trolling batteries survived just fine.

If you are heavily dependant on your electric then it may have value. If you do only 1 day trips and have access to power, save your money and buy that drift sock you always wanted.

Jim

[jim c]

I cary a small jumper cable with gator clips on each end to connect motor bat to extra bat when i have one, so as to add some charge in when running big motor. This doubles as a extra booster for electric motor if needed,or as a help in start big motor if needed ,I have the choice as to regulating to charge and this has worked for me very well for years.

[Bo #582]

I have a Pro Xtra in my boat. I, also, have a 225 Ficht. I have a 24 volt Minnkota 74 lb electric that I use continually in the Detroit River. I have never had to charge my trolling motor batteries. The Pro Xtra works great.