I just bought a Nitro 170TF and it doesn't have an on board charger.  My other bass boat has an on board charger which is 2 bank.  It has a 12v TM.  The Nitro has a 24v TM plus a cranking.  If I were to remove my  2 bank charger and use it on the Nitro would it still charge both of the TM batteries if I only hook it to one of the batteries plus hook it to the cranking battery?  It seems like it would although the charge time would take longer.   I probably would be better off buying a 3 bank charger for the Nitro.  Any suggestions appreciated including which on board charger to buy.  TIA.  

You need a 3 bank charger.  Call Dual pro and order their Three bank pro SE.  If you will call the factory you can get a recondition unit for around $200.  Their web site is www.dualpro.com

Why would you need a 3 bank? Your outboards alternator should keep the cranking battery hot.

Why would you need a 3 bank? Your outboards alternator should keep the cranking battery hot.

That was my thinking for years.... but my next charger will be a 3 bank. (one with a trickle for the 3rd)  There seems to be 1 or 2 times a year that I either forget a switch or several weeks of bad weather keep me inside and I wish I had the cranking batt on a charger/mantainer.  The one time expense of the charger would outweigh the "cost" of those times.  ...lol

Thanks for the quick replies.  I'm thinking a 3 bank and looking at this one below.   It's on sale for $129 @ BPS.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SceneSevenDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10151&langId=-1&section=Home&productId=-74190&scene7Path=BassPro%2f92898%3flayer%3dcomp%26wid%3d500%26hei%3d500%26fmt%3djpeg%26qlt%3d100%2c0%26op_sharpen%3d0%26resMode%3dtrilin%26op_usm%3d0.0%2c1.0%2c0.0%2c0%26iccEmbed%3d0&sourceName=images2%2f92500%2f92898.jpg&type=0&linkEnabled=false

Anybody have this model?

You need a 3 bank charger.  Call Dual pro and order their Three bank pro SE.  If you will call the factory you can get a recondition unit for around $200.  Their web site is www.dualpro.com

I couldnt agree with you more. DO NOT! try and save money on  an onboard charger you will simply need to replace it down the road eventually and it will cost you more in the long run. I have a Dual Pro and it has worked flawlessly for over 3 yrs. I have had cheaper models that have burnt up in only a matter of months. My advice would be to get the Dual Pro.

Why would you need a 3 bank? Your outboards alternator should keep the cranking battery hot.

I used to think this as well, but 2 weeks ago I checked my battery and found out it was at about 50%.

Then again, I had used the livewell for 1 1/2 hours to get some food fish home.

I still say I don't "need" a three bank onboard charger, but only because I have a good battery charger at the house anyway. Just keep an eye on it.

If my current on-board charger quits on me (it came with the boat), I'll step up to the 3-bank.

That is what I was told when I bought my new Stratos by the Sales person.  He was wrong!!!   Buy a 3 bank it sucks to have to disconnect the crank to to start off the trolling batteries.  You have depth finders, radio whether on or off, lights, ariators(sp), taking juice.  My 2 bank is for sale and I'm buying a 3 bank.

GO BIG RED

I've never had a cranking battery that needed charging  

I ran out of juice the 1st time on Fork and a couple more times on small lakes in Nebraska.  I usually only run the outboard for 5 to 10 min once or twice a day.  The service people said without charging I was asking to much of it.

Rod

I have to agree with getting the 3. We originally did not and regretted it when the 2nd time out the battery was dead. However, in all fairness the original battery that was in the boat had a bad cell. Took it back to the dealer, worked out a deal on an upgrade and swiched the battery out. Ever since we've never had a problem with the batteries. You also never have to worry especially if you don't get to run the big motor.

Catt

The reason I recommended a 3 bank charger is most people don't run the big motor long eought to keep the starting battery charged at 100%.  The Dual Pro will charge the battery and then go into a maintance mode.  If the battery voltage drop for any reason it will charge it back up and go back into maintance.  Duel Pro recommenced that you leave the charger on the battery all year long.   Also on a lot of new motor  they has a computer system that is on all of the time and it will drain your starting battery if you don't keep it charged.