Battery Charger / Maintainer

Tree · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2004

Some one recommend a battery charge -maintainer for me. I want to plug my battery charger / maintainer into shore power at my marina and comeback a week later to a battery ready to go.

My power needs on my small sailboat are quite modest. (basically, Stereo, VHF, Depth, various Lights, Bilge pump,) All I have now is a single 12V Marine battery. I might move up to two batteries sometime in the future, maybe next summer.

I''ve looked on line at several.... but, there are oh so many to choose from. And, the price range is from somewhere around $35. and on up.

What little I know, is that I think I''d like something that is water proof, won''t boil out the battery (senses when it is charged and then backs off) and doesn''t drain the battery down if the DC power goes off.....and??? ,well, what else should I be looking for?

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

boatbum · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2004

You are on the right track in looking for something that won''t boil away your batteries. A good choice would be "Smart" multi-stage charger like a Xantrex Truecharge. Although that particular model is not waterproof, there are others out there that are. I have not ever had good luck with Guest Chargers. The last, and I mean last one I had was to replace a Guest that failed, but it was an old style fry your battery type that came with the boat. I replaced it with their new model. Three years later the new model fried a circuit board. I call the factory about repair (this was a $400 charger) and they are very flip in telling me they don''t make that model anymore nor do they repair it and to buy their once again newer model. I went with the Xantrex.

Also on the battery, normally I would suggest twin 6v Golf Carts for the house system, but I think by your description that you have a boat without a lot of systems like refrigeration, inverters, etc., so just get a deep cycle group 27 battery(not a dual purpose one) , battery switch, good cable, and you should be good to go.

paulmcquillan · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004

There is a small 6A multi-stage charger by Delran. Models are Power Tender Plus and Battery Tender Plus.

svzephyr44 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004

One caution - don''t use an automobile battery charger. In addition to not being waterproof many are not wired for a wet environment such as a marina

Tree · #5 (**permalink**) 10-17-2004

Thanks for the suggestions....

any more thoughts on this issue?

TrueBlue · #6 (**permalink**) 10-23-2004

Tree,
Presently, I am researching options for shorepower charging systems for my "new" NC33 which has (2) 4D batteries and a 70amp alternator. I believe my needs require a 40 maybe 50 amp automatic float charger + ac/dc converter & ideally incorporating a dc/ac inverter as well.

The prior owner included a 6 amp Guest 12v automatic charger with the sale, unopened & still in the box. What was he thinking? It is incompatible with the boat so I have no use for it. This might work for your needs and if so, it''s available for a small compensation + mailing costs. Research the fair-market-value and make me an offer if you''re interested.

Steve

Tree · #7 (**permalink**) 10-26-2004

True blue....

Been out of town... just saw your post.

a couple of quick questions.... what part of the world would you be located?... and what is the best way for me to contact you off forum?