Solar charger for boat battery?

[mnhunter2]

I would like to put a solar charger on my starter battery, Interstate AGM 31, to make sure it’s fully charged, have no power so a solar charger would have to be used. Any thoughts as to if this would work?

[CKM]

Originally Posted by mnhunter2

I would like to put a solar charger on my starter battery, Interstate AGM 31, to make sure it’s fully charged, have no power so a solar charger would have to be used. Any thoughts as to if this would work?

we use them in the oilfield all the time for charging batteries that run electronics out in the field. Where do you live? I have one you could have to give it a try.

It would work fine as long as you size it correctly.


If you just need to maintain a charge, a small one would work fine.


OTOH, if you want to recharge a couple of trolling motor batteries you'd need something larger.

[Bobby Winds]

I would consider a small Honda generator over solar, it’s more reliable and can be used for other things.

[Opti-Mist]

Originally Posted by Bobby Winds

I would consider a small Honda generator over solar, it’s more reliable and can be used for other things.

This !!! My partner and I used one to charge our trolling batteries. 8 hours on a gallon of gas, charged both boats, alternated boat usage, always ready to go. Doing this both boats get 16 hours of shared charging time. Worked out great.

[Bobby Winds]

Originally Posted by Opti-Mist

This !!! My partner and I used one to charge our trolling batteries. 8 hours on a gallon of gas, charged both boats, alternated boat usage, always ready to go. Doing this both boats get 16 hours of shared charging time. Worked out great.

What size generator was it.

[REW]

MN,
This small charger will supply 1600 watts to your on board charger. Essentially it supplies the same power as if the on board charged were plugged into a wall socket.

So, how every long your would need to use to charge your batteries if plugged in, the time will be the same with this relatively inexpensive generator.

It likely does not have the longevity of one of the small Honda generators, but it is also less than 1/2 the price of a Honda generator.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...3983_200623983

Here are some generators on Minneapolis Craig's list:

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/s...able+generator

If they worked, any of them would take care of your charging requirements.

There is one solar charge on the list that would charge your batteries, if you left it on long enoug and if it worked.

Good luck

[REW]

If you keep the boat in a building, it is convenient to mount a solar panel on the roof and connect it to a voltage controller inside the building to use for a charge source for your boat batteries.

Some examples of a complete roof mounted solar charging system that could work for you.

https://plugandplaysolarkits.com/col...mounted-panels

[Bugler]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...Z76JTN7Y&psc=1

[Opti-Mist]

Originally Posted by Bobby Winds

What size generator was it.

2000 Watt.