On board charger question

[Kal-Kevin]

I was given a on board charger here a month or so ago and when I took it I knew it was for a three battery system but my question is will it hurt anything if I was to use it only on two battery set up?
I thought if I tape up the one set of leads that I do not use I would be ok is this true?

Thanks from  a new member of the site

[Waterfoul]

What brand and model is it?  For most, as long as the two unused leads are water tight (meaning more than just some black tape) you will be fine.

[Kal-Kevin]

Good questions, I will have to go check tomorrow the brand and mode, l never thought to look when it  is free I just took it.

Thanks for you view on it
Kal

[thedude]

some have inline fuses. you could just take the fuse out.

[djkimmel]

I think my Pro Mariner said to just put the extra leads on one of the two batteries. Does that sound familiar to anyone else?

[t-bone]

Dan - you are correct for ProMariner- http://www.pmariner.com/faq_WP_bat_charger.php
Q.   
Can I connect the charger to only one battery? What do I do with the unused leads or terminals?
A.   
If you are using a waterproof charger and want to charge 1 battery on a 2 bank charger, you will need to connect both leads on that one battery. If you are charging 1 or 2 batteries with a 3 bank charger, you will need to connect all the leads on the 1 or 2 batteries. At no time should the charger be run without all the leads being connected to a battery(s).

[Waterfoul]

Dan - you are correct for ProMariner- http://www.pmariner.com/faq_WP_bat_charger.php
Q.   
Can I connect the charger to only one battery? What do I do with the unused leads or terminals?
A.   
If you are using a waterproof charger and want to charge 1 battery on a 2 bank charger, you will need to connect both leads on that one battery. If you are charging 1 or 2 batteries with a 3 bank charger, you will need to connect all the leads on the 1 or 2 batteries. At no time should the charger be run without all the leads being connected to a battery(s).

This is a good answer and the reason I asked what make and model he had.

[Kal-Kevin]

Ok got the answer for you Waterfoul it is a  Minn Kota MK 315

If I go by what t-bone said and hook up all three leads to two batteries I think I will hook two sets to the trolling battery since it get the most drain while out fishing, and one set to the motor battery.

Does this sound right to you all?

Thanks everyone

[LennyB]

The best answer can be found by calling Minn Kota. They will be happy to tell you the best solution.

[Waterfoul]

That 3 bank charger will have one bank that is dedicated to the starting battery (different charging rate) and 2 for the deep cycles.  Make sure you hook them up correctly.

[Mike S.]

That sucks. I have a MK345 for my trolling motor batteries. It is broken now, and getting replaced with an MK 460. I will make sure I get it hooked up right.

[Dan]

Just buy a Stealth Charging system. Best service, best everything. Top notch on board charging system.

[Mike S.]

Pricey. I have that Skeeter problem. You know, where it is nearly impossible to keep a charger mounted to the floor. I believe mine was bounced around a bit too much. It was completely loose when I popped the rear storage tub out to see if it was working properly or not. I have been wanting to upgrade to a MK 460 for some time now, so here's my chance. As for the old one, I decided that I'm going to send it out for repair and use it on my pontoon. I will only have 2 batteries, but I see I can make it work.

[Kal-Kevin]

Okay got a reply back from minn kota on my question and get your ideas on it

what I sent
I have had a MK315 battery charger given to me to replace my old one with but the new one is a three bank charger and I have only two batteries on my boat. My question is what can I do so I can use the charger right? Should I hook two of the three leads on the trolling battery and one set to the motor battery for the best charging? Or is there a better why to use the leads?

Thanks
Kevin

what they said
The MK315 charger will charge three batteries in whatever way they are configured.  If you have a 24 volt system, you would attach two sets of leads to the two batteries that make up the system.  If you wish to charge your crank batteru as well, you can certainly do so.  That would be the best way to do it, as you will ensure your crank battery is also fully charged.
Regards,
Dave H.

[Waterfoul]

They didn't directly answer your question really.

Hook the two trolling motor leads (they should be marked in some way) to the one battery, and the starting engine lead to the starting battery and go fishing!   

[Kal-Kevin]

Thanks Waterfoul I was wondering if it was me or their answer that did not make since, I think I'll do as you say. 

Thanks