On board chargers

[CigarGuy]

Gone thru 2 on board chargers in about 9 years. First one a Minn Kota and the latest one Cabelas-made by Guest. Both were 2 bank, 20amp, mounted in different areas. Am I expecting too much out of them or should they last longer? What are you folks recommending for chargers? Thanks.....

[Savage Brewer]

This is the 7th year on my MinnKota 3 bank 15 amp charger, dont know how long they normally last.

[hitthebricks]

my 2001 Crestliners 1st. one burned up after 2 yrs, second after 4 more, still have the one I installed, I think the dealer installed the cheapest they could find to cover the discount price I was quoted.

I think they are a hit and miss deal and depends on usage.

HTB

[bigdog]

I have a Dual Pro that has been working for 13 years.

[BoxMN]

Lost one bank of a 3 bank Guest, after about 10 years.

We will be getting a reman unit when we do, later this summer likely, or over the winter.

[Craigums]

Just installed a NOCO GEN3 3-bank charger. So far I'm happy with it.

[MikeG3Boat]

I have a dual pro sportsman edition 7 yrs still going strong.

[CigarGuy]

Ok thanks-good info. I'm ticked at MinnKota, the charger I had from them only lasted 1-1/2 years and the inside turned to jelly. They have a rebate that ends today that brings the price on a 3 bank down to a decent number. The Dual Pro is about 60.00 more, Pro Fishing Supply has a refirb'd unit that brings it in line with the cost of the MinnKota. Now throw in the Noco, which looks to be a good unit-same 3 year warranty as MinnKota and great reviews and I don't know what to do. I need it at my house by Wednesday late afternoon, so what do I do?? I could hopefully pick up the MinnKota or Dual Pro at Pro Fishing Supply tomorrow if they have it or order next day shipping on the Noco in the next couple hours and have it here tomorrow or free two day and get it here Wednesday-hopefully by the time I leave town. The MinnKota 3 bank is a tank compared to the other units. What the heck do I do?

[CigarGuy]

Will I had to move to get it here by Wednesday. I ordered the Noco, wasn't even on my radar-thanks for the tip Craigums! I will have a little over 200.00 into it and with my luck, I'll get 4 or 5 years out of it.

[Hookmaster]

My Dual Pro is 15-16 years old and still charging.

[CigarGuy]

I hate to revisit this thread, but another one bites the dust. My NOCO had one bank go out about 2 years ago, last summer another bank went out. I can't believe the bad luck I've had with these chargers! I've installed them in two different spots in the boat. The NOCO was installed under my steering console, in the open. Now I'm looking at a Minn Kota, either the 330D or the 330PC. Problem is, nobody has them in stock (that isn't inflating the price), from what I've been told is that they keep changing the shipping date and dealers never know when or how many they'll get in. Dual Pro is getting hammered on reviews. NOCO has the newer model on backorder. Last year when I contacted them, they said they'll give me something like 30 percent off a new one, but I have to buy it direct from them. Their price is about 30 percent higher than retail-go figure! Plus, you can't even get them now.  Any of you guys having any ideas without spending 400+ on a new 3 bank charger? Anyone have any thoughts on a Promariner, Prosport HD, 20 plus? It is only 20amps total, not 10amp per bank, like the Minn Kota.

[h8go4s]

I started with a ProMariner that failed after 5 years and now have maMinnKota Precision 2-bank that is 4 years old and still going strong. My OPINION is that the two best quality units are Dual Pro and MinnKota.

We talk about how many years chargers last, but hours of use is the measure we should be using. My charger gets plugged in when I get home and is unplugged when it has completed its cycle. I don't leave it running when it's not needed, and for winter storage I fully charge and then disconnect all battery cables. Good batteries will stay charged until spring.

 

[gim]

46 minutes ago, h8go4s said:

My OPINION is that the two best quality units are Dual Pro and MinnKota.

We talk about how many years chargers last, but hours of use is the measure we should be using. My charger gets plugged in when I get home and is unplugged when it has completed its cycle. I don't leave it running when it's not needed, and for winter storage I fully charge and then disconnect all battery cables. Good batteries will stay charged until spring.

 

This is me too.  I use Dual Pro but I've only had it for 5 seasons.  Hasn't failed yet.  My Father has a Minn Kota Precision charger that has worked without failure since 2008.

[BobT]

Installed a Cabela's Advanced Angler Prosport II 3-bank charger in November, 2012, and it has been working great for me. One thing that might be important is to be sure it has enough clearance around it to dissipate heat efficiently. Too often I've seen them mounted in a storage compartment with life jackets, towels, and other junk packed around them. They can get quite warm and need to dissipate that heat. 

 

Like h8go4s, I don't leave it plugged in too much more than to just finish its charging cycle, although it is rated to be left plugged in continuously. 

Edited March 23, 2021 by BobT

[CigarGuy]

Finally found a Minn Kota 330pc at Hodges Marine. They just received new inventory and had the best price I could find. Like the last charger, this one will be installed under my steering console in a spot that gets a lot of air. It does have carpet, so, based on some research, I'll put some spacers behind it to allow more air movemt. We'll see how many years I get out of this one.