wiring/charging trolling battery

[kena]

how do I go about wiring my trolling battery to my outboard. My cranking battery is already connected to the charge output leads. Can I just connect both batteries in parallel. and only connect my troller to one battery

 

[Silvertip]

Re: wiring/charging trolling battery

What size engine are we talking about? Unless your outboard has a very high output alternator, most people don't bother connecting the trolling motor battery to it as you would need to make very long wide open throttle runs to add any significant charge. The start battery never gets discharged very deeply so the engine keeps up very well. The troller however gets pretty hard use. You need an isolator or a battery switch if you still want to do that. If you have AC power available at the dock or wherever you keep your boat, you might want to install an on-board smart charger. They can be left plugged in indefinitely and won't cook the battery.

 

[canadian_fisher]

Re: wiring/charging trolling battery

Kena.

Most of us fisherman have been trying to solve this problem for years.
Recently I bought a "Intelligent" isolator but it really does nothing to charge the trolling battery unless Outboard is running WOT for 20-30 minutes (or more).
I basically gave up the cause and wait to charge them at home.
Burning out a Regulator can cost hundreds of dollars for very little return.

On another note, my StayNCharge Isolator can run off the truck when towing to and from the lake.......now that's handy.

http://www.stayncharge.com

CF

 

[steelespike]

Re: wiring/charging trolling battery

Typical charge requirements for regular outboard charging system is 2 hours charging time to each hour of trolling motor operation.

 

[canadian_fisher]

Re: wiring/charging trolling battery

Yup........

Slow charging your batteries with 2 or 5-amps is much better (long-term) than blasting them with 10 or 15-amps all the time.
I do have a 15-amp charger but only useit when I have limited time or forgot the night before.

CF

 

[Silvertip]

Re: wiring/charging trolling battery

Regardless how you charge the battery the charger should be what's commonly called a "smart charger". Batteries can take an initial hit of fairly high current with no harm. As they approach the upper end of the charge, charge rate should taper off and then drop to a trickle. Smart chargers can be plugged in indefinitely with no harm to the battery. (Like mine is right now).

 

[canadian_fisher]

Re: wiring/charging trolling battery

Silvertip.

To the point, an outboard charging system is not sufficient to act as a primary source for the Trolling Battery.
I think we both agree, a "smart" charger running off shore / home power is the way to go.

Cheers. CF