Altenator charging trolling motor batteries ?

[sherm]

Can an altenator charge 3 batteries? Any one ever try this?

[Creel Limit Zero]

Yes, you can hook up the alternator to do this, but keep in mind the alternator only puts out so much amps when the big motor is running.  So if you spread that out to three batteries, you risk not charging up your starting battery enough when running and can find yourself stranded.  If this was something critical, you would want to swap out your alternator for a much higher amp alternator, which would also affect your performance/speed...  Best to keep your deep cells in good shape and fully charged when you go out, so you don't need to worry about charging them...

[Buzbait88]

Your best bet is a stay-n-charge unit.  Once your strating battery reaches 13volts it will alternate charging each of the trolling motor batteries.  Its loaded with extra features to protect your batteries and with an all charge unit you can charge all of your batteries while driving down the road.  A huge plus for trips away from home where finding an outlet can be tough or making sure your batteries are topped off when you drop your boat in the water.  www.stayncharge.com