Onboard Charger

[nymart]

Thinking of putting an onboard charger on my 191FS. Getting tired of running out (or forgetting to) to switch my portable charger between the my two trolling motor batteries. Just wondering if anyone has put one on a 191 and if so where did you mount it? There's a little room on the wall of the battery compartment, but from what I have read in some of the manuals, there wouldn't be the recommended amount of clearance for proper ventilation. Any advice?

[cagrove]

I installed an onboard charger on my 170CC and it works great, just plug it in and forget it. However, before that I used a regular external charger and charged both batteries at the same time by hooking them up in "parallel" (positive to positive and negative to negative). That way, it's still 12 volts and the charger charges them both to the same level. Just unhook them and connnect them in series when you're ready to use them for your trolling motor.

I know that didn't answer your question and I'm sure someone on this board will give you the help you need. I just wanted to give you another option until you get the onboard charger installed.

Good luck.

[glehav]

nymart i got a 2 bank charger form bass pro cant remeber the brand for less than $100 and it is small about 8''x 6'' x1 1/2'' they are making some real compacted ones now. i will fine out the brand and part# if you want me to . it has been working fine just plug it in and forget it.. let me know...

[NJWardy]

I just did a search on the forums and it listed like 50 threads when I put in "charger". Looks like tons of information.

[glehav]

nymart here is the info on the charger its a model xps 4/4 ,12 or 24 volts, 8 amps, 2 bank.L7''xw 7.25''x H2.5'' i mounted it to my boat with 1/2'' spacers under it so it could have good air flow all around it. it was the very first thing i put on my boat when i got it from the dealer cant live without one.if you have to mount it in the batter compartment cant you leave the compartment lid open when you are chargeing to help with the heat.....hope this helps

[jfine]

I was thinking bout an on board charger but I'm nervous about ventilation also. Whenever I stick my head into the battery compartment, you have to be a contortionist to do so, I get some minor fumes. I'm sure it'd be fine, but I have considered putting in a vent fan that engages when the charger is plugged in, but then I'd have to deal with the issues having a small fan would introduce. Though I'm probably just being overly cautious. I was looking at these chargers (Dual Pro Charger On-Board Battery Chargers - XL Series) or these (Bass Pro Shops XPS i Series Advantage On-Board Marine Battery Chargers) they seem to get decent reviews and have the best bang for the buck.

[nymart]

Originally Posted by NJWardy

I just did a search on the forums and it listed like 50 threads when I put in "charger". Looks like tons of information.

NJ yes, there is tons of information and I have read all the threads, but I was looking to see if anyone had specifically mounted one on a 191FS to see where they did it. Thanks.

[jtaylor1]

Originally Posted by nymart

NJ yes, there is tons of information and I have read all the threads, but I was looking to see if anyone had specifically mounted one on a 191FS to see where they did it. Thanks.

I mounted one on mine. Mine is actually called a 3 bank battery "maintainer", but it looks just like an on board charger. I got it at Academy for about $80-$90. It has the status lights that tell you when charge is complete, etc. I mounted it on the wall of battery compartment. Not in the battery compartment, but on the bilge side of it. You gain access to this area by taking out the white plastic bait tub that is on the starboard side of the livewell. It is difficult to install the mounting screws thru this small opening, but if you use a small cordless drill you can get them tightened up. Caution: no women and children should be close by, cause getting those mounting screws tight will make you cuss. Then run the wires to each individual battery thru the hole in the bottom of the battery compartment. I also installed an external plug on back of the boat by the "QC" sticker so I can plug in an extension cord without having to open the battery compartment door - this is mighty handy - especially if you have the ski pylon in and the back seat folded up. This job takes about an hour, and a six pack.

These are the links to what I used, you don't have alot of room to work with in this area, so if you don't use what I used, be sure to pick the smallest unit you can so it will fit. Also, to see the status indicator lights I open the round access panel in front of the outboard.

Minn Kota | MK 35

Onboard Charger Inlet

[jtaylor1]

Here is a picture of how I mounted mine. The hole you are looking thru is where the bait bucket is located beside the livewell.