caphank
Loc: San Francisco Bay Area
I have just installed a 12/24 volt Motor guide trolling motor. What is the easiest procedure to take to charge the two batteries using a regular battery charger?
Pull one cable off a battery and charge them one at a time.
Rewire batteries in parallel after each trip to charge both together PITA !
Install an onboard charger and simply plug it in when you park the boat. Charges and maintains both batteries.
10-4 on Charlie’s third option. I wouldnt consider anything else. What you spend on the dual bank charger will save you expense in batteries over the life of them , plus you save yourself a lot of aggravation. I roll my boat in the garage, plug ‘er up, and open the hatch where the charger is to let it run cool, and i can keep a casual eye on the indicator lights. Keeps batteries at peak charge without cooking them. Simply unplug and go fishing.
caphank
Loc: San Francisco Bay Area
Thanks guys for your input.
Charlie and Justright, let me tell you #1 and 2 crossed my mind and my first thought was that would be a headache after each outing. So to answer my own question getting a dual battery charger is the easiest and safest solution.
Much oblige 👌
Absolutely get a 3-Bank Charger.
Take care of all three batteries. That crank battery runs electronics, live wells, bilges, trim, power poles, lights, cranks the boat and more. Unless you do a lot of running, that outboard output just can’t keep up after a long day.
caphank
Loc: San Francisco Bay Area
Thanks for the info guys👌.
Really appreciate all the input.
In the event you need to run wire extensions for your motor and battery wiring, you'll want to use six-gauge wire if the extension is more than six feet. If the extension is shorter than six feet, you can use eight-gauge wire without a problem.
What gauge is your wire for the trolling motor? I would disconnect the 12 volt wire and use just the 24 volt system... If you use the 12/24 volt system you will drain the battery that is on the 12 volts... Then when you go to use the 24 volt system it won’t have the battery life that is necessary... I would just run a straight 24 volt system....
How to wire two batteries for a 24 volt trolling motor...
https://youtu.be/3F1DqOH1BL4How to properly install wiring for a 24v Minn Kota Trolling Motor with a...
https://youtu.be/z8vjVBew1I4
caphank
Loc: San Francisco Bay Area
Hi Ron
The boat was pre-wired for 6 gauge wire so I'm good to go.
I understand what you are telling me about Eliminating the 12v circuit. I find that I am actually using less power when in 24v mode bc I’m not constantly stepping on the switch.
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