Just wondering what you guys are doing. When charging from an onboard charger, do I have to disconnect my trolling motor before charging?

 

No. Just plug your 110 AC extension into your onboard charger.

Mine gets plugged in as soon as I arrive home, and isn't disconnected until I hitch up to leave.

 

Roger

Good, because I heard I was supposed to disconnect it, but I have no way of doing that as it is set up. I thought if I needed to, I could just manually pop my breaker. I have a Minn Kota 60 amp, that doesn't have anyway to pop it manually. Thanks

I usually un plug my trolling motor but if you can’t I would recommend unplugging your charger in thunder storms lightning can fry your trolling motor just to be safe.

4 minutes ago, Born 2 fish said:

I usually un plug my trolling motor but if you can’t I would recommend unplugging your charger in thunder storms lightning can fry your trolling motor just to be safe.

 

That possibility was introduced in a Tesla thread, and it was ruled infinitesimally possible at most.

This I know from experience. Between the boat I now own, and my last two boats,

I've been plugged into an inboard charger for 12 years; less fishing trips & vacations.

That period encountered uncountable thunderstorms and Hurricanes Irma.

 

Roger

Two master shut off switches that I cut on before I launch and cut off prior to leaving the lake.

I have a disconnect on the ground of the starter battery.

 

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Top-Post-Battery-Disconnect-Switch,2382.html?sku=91064503&msclkid=ef785b98085f1740699d048a4f887336&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SMI - Shopping (CSE) (Bing)&utm_term=4577404346894473&utm_content=All Products (Feb28_2020)

*** Warning ***

 

Be careful. Each charging manufacturer is different.

 

I called both Dual Pro and Minn Kota, I've had both their chargers and Dual Pro said leaving it connected was fine and Minn Kota said I should unplug it once its charged.

 

Because of that I will only use Dual Pro from now on.

On the control for your trolling motor, if you are setup that the switch is continuous/off/momentary. Just keep the switch in off position. Keep speed control on off. Just a habit I got into doing. 
 

I’ve never had much in the way of charging problems. 
 

Did have an onboard charger go bad once but it was easy to troubleshoot with a meter.