Posts: 32910
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I run two 12 volt batteries on a Marinco system on one of my boats and charge with a portable designed for deep cycle batteries. I charge the rear battery a couple times a year, only if I have been running the electronics in the rear a tremendous amount and not the motor at all, otherwise it's always up to snuff.
Two 12 volt batteries will extend your use quite a bit. If you can't afford the onboard yet, I'd go that route until you can. Then...you are talking a three bank, not a two bank, if you want to charge your start battery each time you plug in. Again, costs more....but nice if you want to be absolutely certain each time you unplug your charging system you have topped off all the batteries.
The portable chargers I have are automatic, designed for deep cycles, cannot overcharge, and were under $50, and I'm on my 4th year on that set of trolling motor batteries charging them probably 5 to 6 times a week during the open water season. So for under $200 you are ready to rock. There have been a couple times the portable was a benefit...at resorts where the dock power is minimal with everyone plugged in, I can step up the portable (neat feature) and get a full charge in the few hours between fishing and sleeping, and can't my onboard.
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