Recommended onboard battery chargers?

[Onewolf]

I am looking to purchase an onboard battery charger to keep my batteries topped off. I have three banks of batteries (port, stbd, house). I would like a charger that I don't have to worry about overcharging the batteries. I've looked at the Guest and Charles battery chargers. I'm thinking that a 30 AMP charger will be more than sufficient.

Any recommendations for brands/models to purchase or avoid?

Thanks in advance!

Doug

[nordhaven]

The C-Charger on my Chris Craft was a great charger. Low noise and no heat. It was a 3 bank 30 amp with smart maint cycle. Stainless steel enclouser with nice guages. I wat told to stay away from the newer plastic chargers that look like a big AMP for a radio???

[GCB]

www.batterytender.com

[BRUSHHOG3]

I have a dual pro 30 amp charger and have had no problems. Very good on warranty if any problems occur.

http://www.dualpro.com/

[warthog5]

I put a Minnkota 220 in my neighbors boat. I liked it so well I bought a Minnkota 440 for my boat. It's a Monster! 3yr warratny and rebate.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...056&id=0000972

[mowdyman]

Onewolf:

I have had a Pro Mariner for two years and really like it. No problems. Here is site:

http://www.pmariner.com/productFeatu...oductNum=51030

[Glen E]

most of the big names are the same - all good - look for 3 stage charging and keep the batts plugged in 24/7.The amps per batt depend on how fast you want to charge them. I have a 3 bank Promariner with 10 amps a batt and a batt monitor at the helm - works great - couple this with the amazing cabellas AGM batts and you have no electrical worries for a long time.

[dpdash]

I had two Dual Pro's go bad in 2 years. Yes, they replaced them but a pain. I have had a 4 bank Minnkota(pictured above) and have had no issues at all. My vote is the Minnkota. I have heard ALOT of horror stories about Guest.

[Eyeball]

Xantrex Pro-Charge are top-notch chargers with multi-stage charging scenarios. The higher-end Guest units are good, too. I think some of the best chargers made are by Newmar. Newmar is also one of the few companies that rates their chargers realistically. For just keeping a battery topped of, think along the lines of 5% or 10% of the battery’s (or bank's) capacity, multi-stage charger. For charging, 20% minimum, 30-amps may not be enough.

Take care of your batteries and you’ll be surprised how long they last, well past the warranty period. If you have flooded cell batteries, I suggest checking the electrolyte level frequently until you can determine an interval that is appropriate based on your use of the bats.

[ginmills]

Xantrex Truecharge 20+ or Truecharge 40+

[ConchCruzer]

I give another nod to the truecharge 20 or 40. If you're really charging and not just maintaining, then the 20 should be fine. Otherwise, go with the 40.

I have both a Charles 40 amp and a Truecharge 40 amp on my boat and the Truecharge is superior in performance. When operating with a high charging current, that is close to rated capacity, the Truecharge puts out some significant heat. Consider this during your installation.

I bought mine on ebay for a lower price than I could find elsewhere.