Sounds like a wild question, but I'm setting up a jon boat for electric only lakes and right now I have two deep cycles running a transom mount trolling motor. Before too long, I'm goin to add a foot control trolling motor to the front, and run a dedicated battery for it, which is why I'd like to buy a 3 bank charger now.

So, in the short term will a 3 bank charger (specifically the BPS XPS-i 3 bank) still work when connected to only 2 batteries?

Thnaks,

adam

I'm almost positive your 3 bank will work with just two batteries.  i just installed a two bank for two batteries and if i remember correctly there were instructions on how to set it up for one less battery than banks on charger.

If someone else doesnt beat me to it I'll re-read my owner's manual and get back to you.

I confirmed you can do this with some ProMariner chargers and the manual looks idential to the BPS chargers as well.  Makes sense since PM makes the BPS chargers.  But you'll need to confirm with your exact manufacturer's manual if it is not a PM or BPS charger

here is a snipet from ProMariner manual regarding installation of an extra bank.

"Note: When only using one battery connect output 1, output 2, and output 3 red wiresto the positive side of the battery, and connect the black or yellow ground wires to the negative side of the battery. Not recommended for ProTournament300 or 300Quad. If only two batteries are used connect the unused output cable as instructed above to either one of the two batteries.Always connect each charger output to a single 12V battery even if the batteries are wired series for 24V or 36V."

you can also read the entire manual at:

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:7FviEN1nHc8J:pmariner.com/download.php%3Ffile%3DPT_Manual.pdf+owners+manual+promariner+on+board+charger&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1

upper right, page 7.

Great - thanks a lot. I'll pull the intructions out of the box before I leave bass pro and check to make sure. Appreciate the help, jb.

adam