Whether you’re an experienced boater or a weekend warrior, it’s important to know how to charge your trolling motor battery while on the water. There are a few different ways to do this, and the method you choose will depend on what type of boat you have and what type of battery you’re using. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular methods for charging trolling motor batteries while on the water.
Charging Trolling Motor Battery while on the water
While on the middle of the lake, you can charge your boat’s lithium trolling motor battery in many simple and complicated ways. The followings ways may help you.
1. Charging with Solar Panels
One of the most popular methods for charging trolling motor batteries while on the water is to use solar panels. Solar panels are a great option because they’re renewable and environmentally friendly. They can be mounted on the roof of your boat or placed in a sunny location on the deck.
Moreover, Solar panels can also be used to power other onboard electronics, so they’re a great option if you’re looking for a way to save energy while on the water.
2. Using Onboard Chargers
Onboard chargers are another popular option for charging trolling motor batteries while on the water. Onboard chargers are typically more powerful than solar panels, so they can charge your battery faster. Onboard chargers also tend to be more expensive than solar panels, so they’re not always the best option if you’re working with a tight budget.
However, you should ensure that the electrical charger comes with a 120V power outlet support. Additionally, you must ensure the negative and positive parts are connected properly in order to avoid electrical hazards.
3. Using Trickle Chargers
Trickle chargers are a good option if you’re just looking to maintain your battery’s charge while on the water. Trickle chargers can be left connected to your battery for extended periods of time without overcharging or damaging the battery. However, trickle chargers will not provide enough power to fully charge your battery, so they’re not ideal if your battery is completely depleted.
To connect a trickle charger properly, find clamp connectors with red and black tips. Your battery’s negative side should be connected to the black clamp and its positive side should be attached to the red clamp.
4. Outboard Motors
If your boat is equipped with an outboard motor, you can use it to charge your trolling motor battery while on the water. To do this, you’ll need to install a regulator on the motor and attach positive and negative wires to a cable that will run from the outboard engine to the battery of your board. This method is convenient because it doesn’t require any additional equipment, but it can put strain on your outboard motor and shorten its lifespan.
5. Battery Combiner
Another option for charging trolling motor batteries while on the water is to use a battery combiner. A battery combiner allows your trolling motor battery share a charge with another one, typically your boat’s starting battery. This can be helpful if you find yourself running low on power while on the water and need to quickly recharge your trolling motor battery.
However, it’s important to note that using a battery combiner will reduce the amount of power available to start your boat’s engine, so it should only be used in emergency situations.
Useful Safety Tips
Charging a trolling motor battery can be dangerous if it is not done correctly. Here are seven safety tips to keep in mind when charging a trolling motor battery while on the water:
- Always charge the battery in a well-ventilated area.
- Do not allow the battery to overheat during charging.
- Never leave the charger unattended while it is plugged in.
- Unplug the charger from the outlet before disconnecting any cables.
- Do not charge the battery if it is damaged in any way.
- Keep children and pets away from the battery while it is being charged.
- Disconnect the positive and negative terminals of the battery before moving it.
Conclusion
There are a few different ways to charge trolling motor batteries while on the water. The method you choose will depend on what type of boat you have and what type of battery you’re using. Solar panels, onboard chargers, trickle chargers, and connecting directly to the outboard motor are all popular options. Whichever method you choose, make sure you have everything you need before heading out onto the open water.