I need some imput from you guys concerning on board battery chargers. I bought one the other day at BPS and I have not installed it yet. I know must newer boats probably come with these but this is new to me. Give me your feedback.

If it is a BPS brand keep your receipt, I have heard noting but bad things about their chargers. And don't be fooled into thinking that they have a new model that has fixed all of the problems.

Other than that what is your question?

Harshman

Have had a 2 bank BPS on-board charger for over two years and not one problem. Keep it plugged in 24/7 (except when fishing ;D) Fish once a week faithfully till ice. Your always going to here the bad things about a product, but not always the good IMO.

Doug

You'll love having it, the ease of pulling out the extension cord and plug it in.  I've had mine about a year that I bought from Cabela's, you won't know what to do without one.

Guys would it be possible to buy one of these onboard chargers and just keep it in the garage to charge the battery instead of installing it on my jon.  I really don't think I need an onboard charger but they are light and actually seem more portable than a portable, lol.  Also, what type of difference in electric bills have you guys seen that leave your battery plugged in 24/7 , 365..

Guys would it be possible to buy one of these onboard chargers and just keep it in the garage to charge the battery instead of installing it on my jon. I really don't think I need an onboard charger but they are light and actually seem more portable than a portable, lol. Also, what type of difference in electric bills have you guys seen that leave your battery plugged in 24/7 , 365..

You don't have to install it on the boat, but why not?  I put a Dual Pro on my old Bass Tracker last year and absolutely love the fact that it makes battery charging a no brainer any more.

I leave mine plugged in 24/7 and can't see any difference in my electric bill.

Guys would it be possible to buy one of these onboard chargers and just keep it in the garage to charge the battery instead of installing it on my jon. I really don't think I need an onboard charger but they are light and actually seem more portable than a portable, lol. Also, what type of difference in electric bills have you guys seen that leave your battery plugged in 24/7 , 365..

If you buy it , you can use it any way you want.

No.

You won't really see any difference if any in your electric bill. The nice part about these types of chargers are that once they fully charge the battery they go into sleep mode until the battery drains down a little then the charger automatically kick back on to charge them back up . That way you are always fully charged when you want to fish.

I have seen guys use these as portable, IMO why not install the charger that way all you have to do after a trip is plug in an extension cord and walk away.

I have a Pro Mariner 3 bank charger that I got at BPS and I love it. I think they make the BPS and Cabelas house brands, but the house brands are "cheaper" versions and don't have all of the features the real dude has.

Harshman

I have two bank charger (Cabela's made by Pro Mariner) and have had no problem with it.  I'd encourage you to mount it on board.  Its so easy to just pull in and plug it in without having to access the batteries directly.  I was doing the portable charger thing and this makes all the difference.  Much easier.