This has probably been asked before a bunch but is it okay to use an on board charging system with a 225 Optimax ? If so what brands do you guys recommend ? I'm referring to the ones that the alternator supplies to the trolling motor batteries. I've heard that the Optimax systems are temperamental about their power source.
"Mercury's" recommendation is that the engine be connected to ONE engine cranking battery only (not a bank of multiple batteries).
IF multiple batteries are to be used, they should be connected through a battery isolator, which is tied directly to the output terminal of the alternator, and requires some intricate wiring.
The alternator on your engine is designed to "maintain the fully charged state of ONE engine cranking battery, which meets the recommended capacity rating for the engine".
I have seen it done- sometimes "successfully", and MANY TIMES, unsuccessfully. Some of the concerns with a "charge on the fly" system such as your describe include:
-Since the alternator is designed to maintain the fully charged condition of "one battery"... tying in multiple batteries from a trolling motor (which are commonly discharged at a fast or heavy rate) can result in alternator overload, failure of the alternator, output lead fusable link, or even fire in extreme cases.
-ALL "charge on the fly" systems must incorporate an isolator that ensures current only goes one-way. This is usually some sort of "bridge diode" device. If (or when) the diode fails... it will either fail "open" (no charging occurs), or "shunted" (charging still occurs- but so does DISCHARGING). In the later case... while you're fishing a cove or river, running your trolling motor, the trolling batteries are "sapping" voltage from the cranking battery, potentially leaving you with several dead batteries!
I have one customer running a system that I've tested backwards and forwards- and it works as it should. He's on here... and will probably be along soon (carolinakiller- perhaps you can tell him about the system on your rig).
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
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Don,
Thank you very much for your well explained reply to my questions. I have decided that I will not chance it and will leave my engine battery isolated. Charging on the fly is not something I absolutely need to do so risking damage in doing so would be foolish. It's so nice to have an individual like yourself that we can call on to help us out with questions.These Optimax engines are great engines but are also complicated and I want to do everything I can to do what is right.
Mike
I use the Stealth Max Pack and after years of frustration with onboard chargers, Ive finally found one that I like
I use the Stealth Charging system and I feel that it is by far the best on-board charging system that is available to date.. I have used it on my boat for 2 1/2 years with no problems.. It will charge your crank-in battery and up to three trolling motor batteries while the outboard motor is running.. I also have the tow and charge installed on mine it will charge the batteries from your tow vehicle while your driving down the road... One recommendation that I would throw in is to install a disconnect switch so that when it's turned off it kills all the power to your boat.. It can also be wired up so that if you do have a crank-in battery failure you can turn the switch to battery #2 and start your outboard motor then after a couple of minutes you can switch it back over to your crank-in battery and let the outboard motor charge your crank-in battery..
Terry, arent they awesome? Ive only had mine for about a year and a half but after last years hectic tournament season...IM SOLD!
Not only do they work great, wait to you see how long a set of batteries will last using the Stealth.
My AC Delco M27MF batteries from 2001 and still going strong.
JAZII
Stealth all the way ! You can even get it set up to charge while you tow.
\"Abe Lincoln may have freed all men, but Sam Colt made them equal.\"
Thanks guys. Now I have some ideas and options.
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