Battery charger recommendation

[Nancy]

Our 28TE presently has two Group 27 batteries and a Guest Model 2611 10-amp (5+5) battery charger with two outputs.

We want to add one more battery and configure the system so that one battery is dedicated to the engine and two are for house use. With two house batteries, we'll have enough capacity for 24-36 hours on the hook.

Back at the dock, the existing 10-amp battery charger (with only 5 amps per bank) is not going to cut it.

We don't need an inverter and we don't have a built-in generator. We're looking for suggestions for a reliable, intelligent charger that's not overkill for our simple needs. Would welcome suggestions of brands and models - or what to avoid. The Promariner Pronautic P1220 (20 amps, 3 banks) looks like a possibility. http://www.pmariner.com/productFeature. ... 120&page=0

Thanks--

[crowra]

Iota battery chargers seem to be pretty popular chargers for boaters. These units are not just chargers but converters as well. This means that the 12 volt system on the boat can be run off these units even if a battery were not connected. Not all marine battery chargers can do this and some can be damaged trying. The units convert the 120 volt AC to 13.6 VDC. The units are called "smart chargers" because they will deliver maximum current for whatever period of time needed to replace the charge but not stress the batteries. It will cut back to virtually milliamps once full charging has been achieved while still maintaining the proper voltage and will maintain that voltage under whatever demands are placed on it. The units are completely silent and do not run hot like many other chargers. They offer several other advantages if you want to read about them. There is one drawback to these units. They are not designed for multiple banks of batteries, i.e., your starting and house batteries

There is a good work around to the ‘drawback’. The starting battery really only needs to be charged for a short time after the engine is started. The alternator usually does a quick job of this and after that a maintenance charge is all that is needed. An Echo charger can be connected to the starting battery via the house bank and the charger can maintain any amps removed from the house bank by the Echo Charger to maintain the starting battery. This can allow all charging systems, the battery charger and the alternator, to be connected to the house bank where charging is needed the most.

I’m not sure what your plans are for house batteries, but our house bank consists of two sets of two 6 volt deep cycles at 220 amp hours each for a total of 440 amp hours. These are equivalent to two 8D's which would cost four times as much and weigh four times as much. Depending on use, they should last 6 to 7 years for each pair. Since you aren’t going to install an inverter, you can always buy a cheap cigarette lighter inverter to give you a single 120 AC outlet if you ever want AC on the hook.

[loubennett]

One thing to keep in mind when selecting a battery charger is the type of battery you are charging. The set points for charging AGM, regular lead acid wet cells, and other types are different. Many of the newer ones have switches to set which type is being charged. If it's a dual bank charger and different types are used in each bank, it needs to have the ability to make this setting for each bank. Using the correct set points for the battery type will extend the life of the battery.

[Nancy]

Rob, wow - 440 amp-hours! We won't get that high. Thanks for the suggestion about Iota chargers.

We bought the boat last spring, and installed the two Group 27's (115 amp-hours) last year immediately after our first overnight when we drained the designated house battery. Our major draw is the refrigerator at 2.7 amp-hours. We can presently go 24 hours without re-charging, but we'd like more leeway.

We have a small cigarette lighter inverter as well as a Honda 1000i generator. We have things pretty well scoped out for at=anchor usage, but feel that the existing battery charger will potentially take too long to recharge the batteries back at the dock. At least it's a rudimentary smart charger.

Lou, yes, have run into that challenge about matched batteries (or not) on a previous boat.

[joreyn]

Pro Mariner and Sterling chargers are identical and they allow you to charge three banks. They are smart (4 stage) chargers, so while you are at the dock you'll be charging the batteries to 100% - not 75% like some of the older chargers.

Bay marine Supply has a really good deal on the Sterling units. www.baymarinesupply

[Nancy]

Thanks, Joreyn. Will check out Bay Marine Supply.

[Chris & Dale]

Nancy,
Here's a link to a post I did on our Battery Upgrade Project.
viewtopic.php?f=27&t=5951
In addition, here's a pic of our Charles 30 Amp Charger that's been in service for a number of years, and along with the Yandina 100 Recombiner, is doing a great job on our 4 Gp 31s.

DSCN2057.JPG

So far, So Good! One Man's Opinion.
Good Luck!

[Nancy]

Chris, thanks for reminding me about your battery project. Good to know the Charles unit has been working well for you. We had one on our previous boat (20 amps), and it failed after three years (and our seasons are very short). We sent it to Charles for repair (for a fee) and were told that the failure was due to a component failure. I know Charles is a well-regarded brand, but we were disappointed. It did run fine for the next three seasons, and then we sold the boat.

[Panhdjoe]

Hi Nancy We are using a Pro Mariner 20 amp 3 bank charger on our family cruiser. It is handling 3 Group 27, 2 house bank and 1 cranking. Got it at WestMarine for $199.99, it is a 3 stage type., Charge, Condition and Maintain. Does the job just fine for a modest price.

[Nancy]

Thanks, P. We ordered the Promariner P1220, and it should be here Friday.