A few Hybrids and headaches

[kcritch]

I have one of the Optima's and it has lasted three years so far and still strong. I can run 6 - 8 hours on a 55lb thrust trolling motor and at the end of the day the thing has plenty of juice left in it. A while back I had problems with my portable 2/10 AMP charger not getting a full charge or no charge. Tested the batteries and both were dead....one was pretty new...seemed odd that both would go at once. First time I tried to charge the new replacement batteries I got nothing so it was definitely the charger that killed my old batteries...something went wrong for sure.

So I bought an onboard continuous charger 2 bank 6 AMPs each. (I actually never installed it so just use it like a portable...HA!) Gives me a full charge in about 2 to 4 hours depending on how much I used the battery but the best thing is that it goes into maintenance mode and keeps them lively and at full charge all the time. Works great for the winter months for storage as I just keep them plugged. I got the Dual Pro Recreation 12 AMP 2 Bank on sale through Cabela's and it works great. I find it much better quality than a portable.

[Bicey]

That's a good idea. .....charging 2 batteries at once....nice. My charger goes into maintenance mode when the batteries are at full charge, but I like the idea of charging 2 at once. I am a little worried about the charger being the culprit, because for all three of my batteries to go bad at once is not likely.

[jimmythegreek]

Hate to say it but its prob ur charger bro. I never had good luck w the portables, and its impossible w multi battery setups. In the big boat I have a minnkota 5/5/3 that goes to the 2 troll batteries (31's)and the 3 amp goes to the electronics battery (27)that is also a backup for main engine. The main has a 60 amp alternator and is on LH so its always charged up by the big motor very quickly, its an AGM thats a starting/deepcycle dual purpose(29), great battery, they are all battery plus batteries, 2 years on the leads and 4 years on the AGM warranty wise. In the little boat I have 2 wally world maxx29s for the troller batteries and also 1 for the main motor/electronics, w a dual pro 5/5/5 on them. I have a 4th maxx29 that I remove and only bring it for the 55lb thrust on the kicker bracket if im trollin that day or running downriggers, I use it on a switch off dash for DRiggers or a hotfoot from the bow for a trolling kicker. Ive had 2 batteries that were almost new go bad from a good portable charger, Im pretty sure it was the charger that did them in, any batteries I have in my boats that are rigged to permanent chargers seem to last a long time. Like I said earlier charge them back up ASAP, anything more than 12 hrs after use gives them memory u can never get back

[Bicey]

Thanks jimmy...... I am pretty sure its the charger. Borrowed one from a friend just to be safe!

Sounds like you have a nice setup.

[GetANet]

He's turning PRO!!!! JIMMMEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

[Bicey]

Lol you gonna be there Sunday? I should be up there and I'll bring that DR for the GetANet.

[GetANet]

Yea Buddy!!! I will be there hoping to put the smackdown on a few with my daughter!!!! Trying for her first hybrid !!!