I have 2 12V batteries connected in series to run a 24V motor guide trolling motor. I use a portable 5/15 Amp Sears battery charger.

My question:

While the batteries are connected in series, if I charge one of the batteries, am I actually charging both?

Does the charge bleed into the other battery?

The answer is no.  You will charge one battery only.

You have 6 two volt cells in each battery. A 12 volt charger will charge one of them. Connected in series you have 12 two volt cells that can be charged with a 24 volt charger.

The catch is that both batteries need to be in the same state of discharge.

Depending on time (tournament tomorrow), you can remove the jumper between the two for series and then parallel the two and charge them both. Then hook them back in series. Otherwise one at a time ...

Depending on time (tournament tomorrow), you can remove the jumper between the two for series and then parallel the two and charge them both. Then hook them back in series. Otherwise one at a time ...

Very clever. Thanks.

I have always just taken the jumper wire loose to charge my batteries. They are wired in for my 24v trolling motor.

If you forget to disconnect the jumper you will know quickly when you hook the battery charger up. LOL.

Dang Catt, I was interested in that deal until I saw the price. Now I remember why I still disconnect the jumper cable. LOL.

For a multi-bank charger or several separate chargers hooked to a series battery set-up, there is no reason to unhook the jumper/s between the batteries when charging. When charging, current will only flow between the positive and negative of each charger bank to the battery it is hooked to and won't go wandering around trying to charge another battery or create a short circuit.