on-boat charger question

[Fishmael]

I bought a new to me Ranger a couple weeks back.  The boat has a Ranger two bank charger.  I am guessing it is because the engine has an alternator.  The question is how long would I have to run the engine to recharge the battery after running graphs and livewells all day?  Or is it better to just install a 3 bank charger?  What has been your experience?

[Coop]

If you only have a 2 bank charger.. What are the 2 banks connected to? You running a 24v system? If so are the 2 banks both connected to the 24v system and nothing to the crank battery? Im sure your 24v system is running all your electronics and trolling motor. You should be ok for now as long as the 2 banks are to your electronics batteries. I would recommend getting a 3 banker though... Well worth the money, and keeps your crank battery fully charged before each outing. That is reassuring enough for me to invest in one that does them all.

[Dan]

and... the three bank is only 10$ more at say Cabelas. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Advanced-Anglers-ProSeries-On-Board-Marine-Battery-Chargers/1309718.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Don%2Bboard%2Bbattery%2Bchargers%26x%3D-850%26y%3D-51%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=on+board+battery+chargers&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

[t-bone]

I'm in the camp that says keep all the batteries charged. It is useful for the winter storage too to keep all the batteries (including the starter battery) in good condition.

[thedude]

unless you're cranking battery is shot, you don't need to charge it that often. That being said, it's always best to keep your batteries at full charge when not in use.  I will typically always charge mine using my portable/alligator clip charger before a tournament. However i will make numerous small trips in between without worrying about it.

[Fishmael]

Thanks for the input guys.

[Skulley]

I'm in the camp that says keep all the batteries charged. It is useful for the winter storage too to keep all the batteries (including the starter battery) in good condition.

The above phrase is very true.  The guys over at Complete Battery Source will tell you to keep all batteries fully charged and keep them plugged in all winter if you store your boat in a garage.  I've been doing just that for years.  My last three batteries have lasted 7 years and just got 3 new ones this year.


BD