Do I need to disconnect batteries to charge?

[th365thli]

Hi guys, boat novice here,

I just bought a Minn Kota 330D digital 3 bank charger. I have 2 trolling motor batteries in series for 24v and a crank battery. So I connect the charging leads to each battery. My question is: Do i need to disconnect the batteries from the trolling motor and outboard/boat electronics before charging? Or can I leave all the connections on? Thanks.

[repdept]

I leave every thing connected

[Fishysam]

leave them all connected and if your able turn master power switch off on dash, as well as they say to unplug the trolling motor if it isnt hard wired, i dont do either of those things myslef, i have used the sonars while charging as well as checked the tm

[06 SB]

What trolling motor? It makes a difference!

[edwonbass]

If you have one of the modern digital trolling motors it is best to unplug. That’s my understanding.

[th365thli]

leave them all connected and if your able turn master power switch off on dash, as well as they say to unplug the trolling motor if it isnt hard wired, i dont do either of those things myslef, i have used the sonars while charging as well as checked the tm

Ultrex!

[wmitch2]

There should be a breaker switch on each side of the bilge. One is for the TM and one for helm and everything else. It's BEST to flip them to "off" before charging. If you don't have them, you should get them. Some of the older TM's needed to be unplugged or switched off before charging, and now the new digital ones suggest it. You will protect your electronics against a sudden surge by doing this thus protecting them from disaster !!

[bgibson]

Just charge your batteries no worries!

[fastman151]

There should be a breaker switch on each side of the bilge. One is for the TM and one for helm and everything else. It's BEST to flip them to "off" before charging. If you don't have them, you should get them. Some of the older TM's needed to be unplugged or switched off before charging, and now the new digital ones suggest it. You will protect your electronics against a sudden surge by doing this thus protecting them from disaster !!

This^^^^^^^

[Walkabout7781]

Earlier OB's, like my XR-4, will puke the stator (I think that's what they called it) on the OB if you charge the starting battery at over about 2 amps. Don't ask. Seems stupid that they wouldn't protect from that, huh? Not sure what other OB's could suffer similar fates.

About the TM, it's always good idea to rig it with a plug and to unplug it anytime you're not on the water. Again, from my experience.

[Hollada]

Install a pair of breakers.

[RazorCat]

Install a cutoff switch. One for the TM battery positive, one for the crank battery positive. BEP 701 compact will work fine.

[RazorCat]

The one shown is the BEP 701S. It gives me On/Run, Jump Start, Batt 2 Only options. You want the 2 pole 701.