Hey Guys/Gals- 

 

Has anyone ever used a solar charger/maintainer for their accessory battery to keep it charged while on the lake? I'm thinking about putting 1 on my boat just for the fact that I have a 12 volt system and running 2 screens, live scope, etc. the battery voltage does start to drop after about 4 hrs of fishing.  Figured I'd ask and get opinions real quick before I do it. 

 

Appreciate it,

 

Tom

I've never used one.  I've done the math in the past out of curiosity and it doesn't seem cost effective. I think a better battery would make more sense.   I'm running a 15in and a 9in with FFS and 360 on a single LifePo4 battery and have never run out of power.  What size/type of battery do you have?

I agree with @Tennessee Boy, just go with a better battery. Or add a second battery if you have room.

Ya - the output of a solar-charger won't keep up with the drain your electronics will put on the system. Add a second battery - and make sure it's the same rating, and preferably the same manufacturer/model, as the one you already have.

Roger that Fellas, Right now I have a 31 series cranking battery and a 27 series accessory battery. Cranking battery runs the trolling motor also and no I haven't had a problem with the motor starting after the TM has been running. I noticed the 27 dropping down to 11.7 v with my BB, 93, and 106. No other accessory running at the time. Guess maybe I'll look into a bigger batt or go with a lithium.

 

Swap out that group 27 for a 100 ah lithium $200 for a LiTime on amazon with the 10% discount currently offered.  You’ll save 30# and gain twice the capacity.  

And make sure your charger is Lithium compatable

 

NOCO Genius 5x1 onboard charger is $60 at Amazon.