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  1. #1
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    To charge cranking battery or not to charge cranking battery

    That is the question: why does it seem many are split on this? Looking at adding a new battery charger to the boat, do I go 2 bank (just trolling motor batteries only) or 3 bank and include the cranking battery? Thanks

  2. Member
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    #2
    would depend on how often you run the big motor to keep battery charged, I have a 4 bank and never worry about cranking battery going dead, with what little time I get to fish.

  3. Moderator 21XDC's Avatar
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    #3
    3 batteries should have a 3 bank charger.

    Marks Props 317-398-9294, 1850 East 225 South, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 propellerman59@gmail.com http://www.marksprops.com/index.html

  4. Member crank68's Avatar
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    #4
    If it's a battery....charge it.
    BULLET 20 XRD/250 Merc Sport XS
    www.ncboatguy.com

  5. Banned
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    #5
    OK, so far this is a majority

  6. Electrical/Wiring/Trolling Motors Moderator CatFan's Avatar
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    #6
    Not even a question. Charge it.
    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity,
    nothing else matters.​

  7. #7
    I've never known anyone that would choose to not charge it...??? Charge it!

  8. Member SoonerFan's Avatar
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    #8
    I used to get by with a 2 bank and thought the same thing....until I got to the lake one morning and my starting battery was deader than grandma's cat.
    Don't worry Ma'am....
    I'm only here for the
    Bass.

  9. Moderator TMG's Avatar
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    #9
    Get a 3 bank.
    " Talking to you is like clapping with one hand "
    Anthrax

  10. Member
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    #10
    Quote Originally Posted by BigJfrank View Post
    That is the question: why does it seem many are split on this? Looking at adding a new battery charger to the boat, do I go 2 bank (just trolling motor batteries only) or 3 bank and include the cranking battery? Thanks
    My first Bass Boat only had a 3 bank charger for the 36v TM. I killed 3 expensive cranking battery's because of various power drains before I went ahead and upgraded to a 4 bank charger. Learned lesson there too. Get one WATERPROOF, not Water Resistant.
    2017 Triton TRX Patriot w/250 ProXS Optimax

  11. Member Skeeterbait's Avatar
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    #11
    Why NOT charge it? If you do not make long runs to top it off after every crank, if you are running other things off it, which nearly all of us are, you can leave it in a partially charged state after every trip which will promote sulfation and shorten the life of it. Charging it after every trip is insurance and may result in longer battery life. Your not hurting batteries by charging them, much the opposite.


  12. Member
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    #12
    I have a 24 volt system, three batteries. I have the two trolling motor batteries on an on-board charger. Occasionally I'll put a 10 amp car charger on my size 31 AGM motor battery if I use a lot of accessories, don't run much and/or it's cold. 2+ years, no trouble.

  13. Member
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    #13
    Charge it ...

    Save the weight and wire all the batteries together into one plug and retro the end of the "onboard" charger with the mating plug. I have the "onboard" sitting beside were my boat is parked and all I is plug into the harness. The charger is actually outside the boat. If I travel, take it with me ... Saves 15lbs in the back of the boat and a lot of space

  14. Member
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    #14
    Include the crank battery. Besides starting, there is a lot of draw on it from today's accessories like graphs, live wells, shallow water anchors, etc. I don't think there is a split on this issue, but most would charge their cranker.
    2019 BCB Classic
    Merc V8 200 4S

  15. Member berudd's Avatar
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    #15
    Charge it. I can think of not benefit, except for a cheaper charge, of not charging it.
    Bruce
    2019 20 TRX Patriot
    Mercury 250 ProXS Fourstroke
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    HDS 9 Live - Bow



  16. Member
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    #16
    Charge it or as stated, it will always be in a discharged state and will fail pretty quick

  17. Member Frosty03's Avatar
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    #17
    Charge it!!!

  18. Member mattg589's Avatar
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    #18
    I have a two bank charger and regret not spending the extra $50 for a three bank. I must say that I put a portable charger on my starting battery every so often and it doesn't usually take long to charge. I have been fortunate that I have yet to be stranded because of a weak battery.

  19. Member WVBullet's Avatar
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    #19
    Quote Originally Posted by crank68 View Post
    If it's a battery....charge it.
    +1! Plain and simple. If ya got 3 batts then have 3 banks.

    2008 BULLET 21XD 2007 Merc 300xs


  20. #20
    How is this even a debate?

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