onboard battery chargers - The Hull Truth

sharkfisher · 02-24-2008, 05:02 PM

I am installing new batteries this spring and a onboard charger. I am going with either Cabelas agm's or the new Sears agm. I was wondering what is the best onboard charger for a 2 bank system and the agm batteries?

Thanks Charlie

hlb · 02-24-2008, 05:51 PM

Looking at batteries also for install with a trolling motor. Cabelas has a combo. agm batteries and charger in their 2008 boating and marine catalog.

sharkfisher · 02-24-2008, 05:59 PM

hlb I have been looking at Cabelas combo the only problem is I need a pair of group 24's and a 2 bank charger. There combo only comes with a single 24 and a single bank charger.

Thanks Charlie

sharkfisher · 02-24-2008, 09:17 PM

Promarine,Guest,Duel Pro,Xantrax,True charge, good,bad

thataway · 02-24-2008, 09:20 PM

Guest on the lower end--Truecharge on the higher end--depending on size of batteries.

Scott D · 02-24-2008, 09:27 PM

I have a Xantrex XC3012. Great charger with 3 bank capability. You might be able to find a more cost effective solution, but I have no complaints about this charger. I had a Guest 2 bank unit (2611 maybe). It stopped working once out of warranty and was replaced by Guest free of charge. I gave it to a friend when I upgraded and he's still using it.

Good luck,
Scott

jenkinsph · 02-24-2008, 10:02 PM

Why not go with two group 27 batteries and the 20 a charger package Cabellas offers for $529 ?

Steve

kerno · 02-24-2008, 10:13 PM

I've used the Guest 2620 on several boats with good luck. They put out 10 amps each to two batteries. In four boats, only one charger failed on one bank. At the price of the chargers, I'm happy.............................

LUCKY DAVE · 02-24-2008, 10:26 PM

Xantrax makes decent electronic assemblies, and True charge is also a good brand. If you want the Cadillac of the field, buy a Newmar. ($$$)

Richie · 02-25-2008, 10:43 AM

My Promariner 4 bank works just fine.

sharkfisher · 02-25-2008, 12:15 PM

I think I narrowed it down to 2 different models the Cabelas ProSport ll 20 (Promariner) or the Dual Pro. Is the Guest at the lower end? It sounds and looks like a good charger.

Steve if I would jump to the 27 combo I would have to change battery boxes and not sure I have the room.

Thanks everybody for all the help
Please any more info would help
Charlie

sharkfisher · 02-25-2008, 01:38 PM

I have been looking at Cabelas and Bass Pros sites and checking out the customers ratings on all the chargers they sell. There is 2 that really have good ratings the ProMariner Pro Tournament and the Promariner ProSport Gen 2.
Anyone have any experience with either of these unites?

Thanks Charlie

mboy · 02-25-2008, 01:55 PM

Quote:

sharkfisher - 2/24/2008 4:59 PM

hlb I have been looking at Cabelas combo the only problem is I need a pair of group 24's and a 2 bank charger. There combo only comes with a single 24 and a single bank charger.

Thanks Charlie

Get the single bank charger and an Yandina combiner.
Both batteries will charge when engine is running, or when receiving a charge from a charger (onboard or external).

gerbie · 02-25-2008, 03:46 PM

Love my dual pro 4 bank charger. Easy to read, Waterproof, and when I needed a repair (after 4 years!!!) they sent me a new charger FREE!

lowcountry-sc · 02-25-2008, 03:48 PM

The guest charger I have has been working great for two seasons now.

ecrooks · 02-25-2008, 05:20 PM

maybe a dumb question. Two house batteries linked and one starting battery. Is this a two bank system or three bank?

hlb · 02-25-2008, 05:30 PM

Did you get ant good advice on the type or brand of batteries.

sharkfisher · 02-25-2008, 06:57 PM

hlb I am going with the Cabelas AGM group 24. I really liked the Sears AGM (Odessey) but a couple things bothered me. When I checked Sears web site they where out of them for over a month and my Sears here in Pa. does not stock them I would have to order them in which might be a problem if I have a warranty issue. I have a Cabelas about 40 minutes from me and they stock the batteries which is a plus if I would have to replace one during the season. Sears has a better warranty 3 years Cabelas is 18 months. But the Cabelas batteries have higher CCA,MCA,RC numbers. I think both are very good batteries.

Charlie

jenkinsph · 02-25-2008, 07:26 PM

Quote:

sharkfisher - 2/25/2008 12:38 PM

I have been looking at Cabelas and Bass Pros sites and checking out the customers ratings on all the chargers they sell. There is 2 that really have good ratings the ProMariner Pro Tournament and the Promariner ProSport Gen 2.
Anyone have any experience with either of these unites?

Thanks Charlie

I have the 30 amp 3 bank ProMariner Pro Tournament charger bought in 1998 and is still working flawlessly. So if I can
get 10 years use out of it I am happy. BTW this is daily use on my service truck maintaining three group 31 batteries
which power an 800w inverter, computer, liftgate and chest type electric cooler/warmer year round.

Steve

sharkfisher · 02-25-2008, 08:02 PM

Steve I am kind of leaning towards the 2 bank 10 amp ProMariner Tournament 100. The only thing I can't figure is why they only have a 1 year warranty. The Promariner Pro Sport 12 which is a cheaper model has a 2 year warranty.

Thanks again everyone for there help
Charlie