On Board Battery Chargers

[Skulley]

It seems with all this battery talk that I started in the other post, I am in need of a new charger.  I am currently using a Pro Series Three Bank SE.  It is about 5 years old.  The last bank that charges my cranking battery I suspect is bad and that is why my battery fried over the winter.  I was going to replace it with another of the same however $$$$ is probably going to be an issue here because they are expensive.  I have only owned the Pro Series so input on other brands would be helpful.  So here we go again.........

What do you use??
Are you satisfied with its performance??
Would you buy it again??

I will be buying one in about a month when I get the cash together.  Let me know your thoughts and opinions.


BD              

[Fishmael]

I had a ProSport20 Plus Cabelas Advance Angler charger that was made by Pro Mariner.  It had a two year warranty and puked at 3 years...That's fun.  Cabelas pretty much told me "that's the breaks".  So, I guess I WOULD NOT buy another one!  I just picked up a Minn Kota 3 bank for a good price.  They also have a 3 year warranty.  For the price, seems to be a good deal.

[Buckeye]

UAW,  I also have a three bank Minn Kota charger on my Skeeter.  It really keeps my batteries in top shape, and charges quickly.  It's only 10 amps per bank, but it charges my batteries in about 4 or 5 hours after a full day of fishing. 

I am looking to upgrade to a MK 440, which would add a fourth bank to keep my cranking battery over the winter.  It took a beating this winter with the cold and warm spells we had. 

I would certainly consider this MK charger superior to my Dual Pro charger previously.  I would buy again.

Eric

[Skulley]

UAW,  I also have a three bank Minn Kota charger on my Skeeter.  It really keeps my batteries in top shape, and charges quickly.  It's only 10 amps per bank, but it charges my batteries in about 4 or 5 hours after a full day of fishing. 

I am looking to upgrade to a MK 440, which would add a fourth bank to keep my cranking battery over the winter.  It took a beating this winter with the cold and warm spells we had. 

I would certainly consider this MK charger superior to my Dual Pro charger previously.  I would buy again.

Eric

I am definitely considering the Minn Kota 3 Bank MK 330.  I think that's the model.      How long are the leads to the battery on this Model??  So far from what I have read this charger could be as good or better than the Pro Series.  I have always owned Pro Series.  Maybe it is time to try something else.  The Minn Kota is also a bit cheaper.  If it gets 6 hour turn around time on the charge then that is more than exceptable.  I am just concerned on the length of the cables.  Thanks for the input from both of you. 


BD                 

[Buckeye]

UAW, I'll check the length of the cables when I get home tonight or tomorrow.  I have to referee lacrosse tonight and won't be going straight home, and the boat is covered due to the rain.  Tomorrow at the latest. 

I do know this.  The cables are long enough that the previous owner used plastic wrap to keep them under control.  All of my batteries are right there by the charger in the Skeeter, so I didn't need the extra length.  If you needed more length, like I did on my old boat, BPS sells these extension lines that are fused and easy to install.

Give me a day or so, and I'll measure the length of the leads.  I have the MK 330 myself, and it's been solid and reliable.

Eric

[Dan]

The best charging system IMO is Stealth. You guys on the East side make those longer runs and the Stealth in my buddy Don's boat charges his batteries on the run and when we fish St. Clair and Erie he never even needs to plug his boat in at night. Danny at Stealth also is available literally 24 hours a day for tech support and has been fantastic.  http://stealth1charging.com/
If you have the on the go feature your batteries rarely get low and that increases longevity immensely. I went cheap and got the Stay'N Charge system that is a cheaper version and charges your boat batteries while you're hauling your boat on the trailer as well. Had too many issues with it and couldn't ever get timely responses from the company. I'm ripping it out this year and putting in a Stealth system. They really are top notch and I have had several three bankers and they do okay but on those long tough days my batteries in my 24 volt system just don't stay where I need them to be. In my buddy Don's boat, he's always running with hot batteries. Very impressive.

[Fishmael]

I just got the MK 315 and that has 6' cables.  I would imagine it would be the same on the other model as well, since the other one simply puts out more juice.

[Skulley]

Buckeye, thanks for checking those lengths.  I will patiently await your next post.  Dan, I will look into the stealth.  Sounds impressive.  It will all come down to $$$$$.  I like having a charger but this stealth system sounds like it could be good for the $$$$$.  I still like the Minn Kota 330 for the $$$$$.  Lots of different product out there.  I didn't expect to buy a charger this year.  Again, we never really plan to spend money replacing items that may not need replacing.  Fishmael, 6 foot is more than enough for me.  Where did you buy your MK330??


BD            

[Buckeye]

UAW, I haven't had a chance to uncover the boat and look yet, but I contacted MinnKota and they replied.  All of their battery chargers have the same length cables, so it must be 6 foot on each lead, as fishmael stated. 

The MinnKota website also listed extension cables that were available, and I know BPS carries some as well (in 2 lengths).  I remember one being 3 foot, and the other being 15 foot I believe. 

But, to answer your question, the MK 330 will have 6 foot cables on each of the three leads.

Eric

[Buckeye]

OK, I went to the BPS website and found the extension cables.  Looks like they have 5 foot and 15 foot lengths, and they are made by ProMariner.  I had the 5 foot verisons on my two TM batteries on my old boat.  They worked fine.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_52545____SearchResults?ordProd=Y&CMID=TOP_selectitems#itemDetail

And here is the version I found on the MinnKota site....

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/accessories/battery/extension_cable.aspx

Not sure if you require these UAW, but I wanted to post for anyone else as well....

Eric

[Skulley]

I checked the same sights that you did.  Six foot is more than enough.  My Pro Series 3 bank charger cables are 6 feet.  That is plenty of length for my application.  The MK330 looks as though will be the pick.  Now I will shop price.  Anyone know where I can get a new one cheap.  In other words, price lower than Cabela's.  Cabela's is 10 bucks cheaper than Bass Pro on this charger. 


BD             

[huston]

http://www.anchorexpress.com/Minn-Kota-MK-330-On-Board-Charger-1823300-p/1823300.htm

[dashaver63]

When you are looking for a charging system, whats the best amperage to maintain the life and strength of your battery's? I've heard varying things about the importance of this.