Hey Guys,

This weekend my Guest 4/4 onboard battery charger stopped working in on my Z6.  Double checked to make sure that I didn't blow a fuse on my wall outlet, and still wasn't getting a light on my onboard charger.  I was curious what you guys use for your chargers.  I currently have 2 12volts.

 

- Should I target only 2 bank, 4 amp chargers? will the Minn Kota 210D be too much at 5/5? 

I am open to any suggestions, as i would like to invest in a charger that will last longer than 2 seasons.

From what I've found the two brands that get the most praise are Dual Pro and Minnkota. Dual Pro's are the only serviceable charger, as the other brands are disposable. I can vouch for the Dual Pro chargers as my dad has the original in his 99 Ranger. He hasn't had an issue with it. I've got a newer Dual Pro charger in my Ranger as well. I bought it off of a guy upgrading to a 4 bank instead of a 3 and it's been in my last two boats. 

No matter the charger you buy, the higher the number of amps the quicker the batteries charge, and it's better for the batteries as well. a 4/4 might take all night or longer to charge your batteries, where a 10 or 15 amp charger will have them done 2-3 times faster. 

Buy at least 5amps per bank...the more the better.  Also, go ahead and buy 3 bank...you will most likely eventually 24v trolling.

Dual and Minn Kota both make solid chargers.

Take a look at NOCO Genius onboard battery chargers.

It's hard to believe you only have 2 12v batteries in your Z6? The usual set up is 1 cranking battery and 2 12v trolling motor batteries= 3 12v batteries.

You what 10 Amps per bank with marine deep cycle batteries.

Tom

I'm also a Dual Pro fan. I like their "Pro" Series w/15 amps per bank. As stated above, if you have 3 batteries, get a 3 bank charger. Your engine will not adequately maintain a charge on your cranking battery.

2 hours ago, jbh3 said:

I'm also a Dual Pro fan. I like their "Pro" Series w/15 amps per bank. As stated above, if you have 3 batteries, get a 3 bank charger. Your engine will not adequately maintain a charge on your cranking battery.

Be careful with 15 amps charging AGM batteries, 10 amps is safer.

Tom

I agree that Dual Pro and MInn Kota are the brands I see recommended most often.

I can vouch for Minn Kota - I've had the same 440D in my last three boats over 6 years - never a problem and it gets used at least once a week, always tops the batteries up overnight, and stays on all winter to keep the batteries fresh.

17 hours ago, WRB said:

Take a look at NOCO Genius onboard battery chargers.

It's hard to believe you only have 2 12v batteries in your Z6? The usual set up is 1 cranking battery and 2 12v trolling motor batteries= 3 12v batteries.

You what 10 Amps per bank with marine deep cycle batteries.

Tom

I have the lower end MK Edge, it is only a 12v.  I will buy a 3 bank as I will eventually be upgrading.

Thanks to you and everyone else for the suggestions.  I will look for a 3 bank 10 amp charger.

The NOCO Genius Gen 3 water proof 3 bank, 10 amps per bank is the unit I have on my boat since 2005 charging 3 AGM batteries without any issues.

Tom

1 hour ago, WRB said:

The NOCO Genius Gen 3 water proof 3 bank, 10 amps per bank is the unit I have on my boat since 2005 charging 3 AGM batteries without any issues.

Tom

Thank you, Tom.  I think this is the one I am going to get.

My boat is a '98 TR20.  I have 3 batteries.  It came with a 3 bank DualPro installed.  It has remained plugged in 24/7 (except when fishing) ever since it was new and it's still going strong and working properly.  If it ever goes sour, I'll purchase another without question.

I went Quad Pro ~

 It's a 36v system and while we're at it, lets throw some juice to the Cranking unit

A-Jay