onboard battery chargers.. - The Hull Truth

WEAVER · 06-22-2007, 10:49 PM

I'm rather new to boating, and have heard that an onboard battery charger is a good device to have. I have 2 batteries in my boat, do I need 2 seperate chargers, or will one work for 2 batteries? What would be a good one to get without breaking the bank? And who has the best prices to order from? Thanks

CAP1 · 06-22-2007, 10:55 PM

You can get a 2 bank (one unit) charger for your needs. It will charge 2 batteries at the same time. Guest or ProMariner both make good units. $100 and up. I have a ProMariner 100 for my single engine-2 battery set up. I think it ran $150 or so.

You might also look into a battery combiner so your engine alternator will charge both batteries. Google Blue Seas ACR Batterylink.

Search the electronics forum for tons of good info related to this topic.

Auburn1 · 06-23-2007, 11:54 AM

Onboard chargers allow you to charge your batteries from a 120V AC plug when you're docked or at home on the trailer and yes, they are a good thing to have to maximize the life of your batteries by keeping them topped off at full charge. Chargers come in 1, 2, 3, and (I think) 4 banks; each bank is for one battery. So you need a 2-bank charger; both Pro Mariner and Guest make good ones at reasonable cost. Since it is an electronic device, I wouldn't worry about the absolute lowest price but instead think about the retailer's return policy in case it fails prematurely...in that respect Bass Pro is a good place to buy either brand. Mine is a Guest 3-bank, 10A each bank.

bobm03 · 06-23-2007, 01:02 PM

i have a minn kota 2 bank i bought @ wallmart. its 14 months old & no problems yet. best boat acsessory ive ever bought.

slapshot · 06-23-2007, 02:01 PM

Get a 2 bank charger. It will have leads for 2 seperate batteries that will charge each battery individually. I have a 3 bank Dual Pro on my boat and it works great. Onboard chargers are great to have. I plug it in when I get back from fishing. It recharges all of the batteries and then keeps them topped off with a trickle charge until I use the boat again.

When you mount it, make sure it is in a dry area and double check the distance to the batteries and taht the leads will reach.

jerryk · 06-23-2007, 02:13 PM

I have a Guest 4 bank chargers due to the fact I have 4 batteries. Get a 2 bank on board charger and plug it in. It will not overcharge your batteries. One of the best items you can get for your boat. Even if you use your boat every week, nothing ruins a trip after everything is loaded and the battetries are dead and boat batteries never seem to last as long as your car batteries.

reelapeelin · 06-23-2007, 03:01 PM

Guest 2611 will keep your batts hot w/ 5 amps to each one at a nominal cost ...

tprice · 06-23-2007, 04:38 PM

Don't know how your's is setup but if the batteries are in a console or bilge area you can get a plug in so all you have to do is plug your drop cord in and never even open the access area.

I leave both of my onboard chargers plugged in all the time, I have 2 batteries for the motor(starter and electronics) and 2 for the 24 v trolling motor.