Xantrex sucks - What replaces an Xantrex Echo-Charger?

jarcher · #1 (**permalink**) 07-15-2011

On May 5, 2010 I bought an Xantrex Digital Echo-Charger. Actually installed it probably in June of that year. When I launched the boat this year, it didn't work. Got it home, called Xantrex. Oh, we're sorry, that has a 1 year warrenty. Nothing we can do for you. I explained that the device has been installed in a 30 foot boat, below, potected from water, spray and so on and it never got wet, but if I look through the little vent holes I see lots of rusted parts. They replied "Yeah, usually they don't rust out that fast."

So basically I paid about $120 for a charger that lasted one season. Just thought I would warn you guys not to make the same mistake.

Can anyone suggest a comperable unit?

josrulz · #2 (**permalink**) 07-15-2011

I'll be interested to hear what others say--I plan to buy an Echo charger this year.
-J

btrayfors · #3 (**permalink**) 07-15-2011

I bought and installed an EchoCharge aboard my boat in Annapolis over seven years ago. The boat has been in both salt and fresh water since then, and nary a problem. I see NO signs of corrosion.

I have installed several EchoCharges on client boats, and have never heard of a failure. It's the one Xantrex product (which they purchased from Heart) that has a reputation of trouble-free performance. It does what it's supposed to do.

Most likely the OP's situation was influenced either by the environment (before or after purchase and installation) and/or by the unit having somehow been splashed without the owner's knowledge. On a small racing boat, it's not hard for water to find its way below.

Today I would not hesitate to install an EchoCharge, though I agree with the OP's comment about Xantrex.

Re: another unit, you could always purchase a Balmar Duo-Charge. More sophisticated, programmable, and about twice the price!

Bill

mitiempo · #4 (**permalink**) 07-15-2011

I agree with Bill. I own an Echo Charge and have installed quite a few as well, all without any problems.

Did it get wet? The rust would indicate that it was splashed.

I don't know of any battery charger type device (that is vented) that would survive a soaking.

mitiempo · #5 (**permalink**) 07-15-2011

From page 6 of the manual:

arf145 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-16-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by josrulz

I'll be interested to hear what others say--I plan to buy an Echo charger this year.
-J

Installed an EchoCharger a year and a half ago. Works perfectly, and one of my favorite improvements.

JeremyP · #7 (**permalink**) 03-16-2012

Anyone already installed the Sterling Power echo charger? It's more money, but I also don't want the Xantrex experience. anyone running a ProCharge-B echo charger?

Maine Sail · #8 (**permalink**) 03-16-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarcher

On May 5, 2010 I bought an Xantrex Digital Echo-Charger. Actually installed it probably in June of that year. When I launched the boat this year, it didn't work. Got it home, called Xantrex. Oh, we're sorry, that has a 1 year warrenty. Nothing we can do for you. I explained that the device has been installed in a 30 foot boat, below, potected from water, spray and so on and it never got wet, but if I look through the little vent holes I see lots of rusted parts. They replied "Yeah, usually they don't rust out that fast."

So basically I paid about $120 for a charger that lasted one season. Just thought I would warn you guys not to make the same mistake.

Can anyone suggest a comperable unit?

This is one of Xantrex's better products. They did not invent it nor design it and have only cheapened it over the years. That said they are still very reliable, IF installed in a DRY location..

Sounds like you need a waterproof battery to battery charger. Sterling Power makes one but they are more money. A Blue Sea ACR has better water resistance...

Sterling Power Battery to Battery Charger (B2B)

ccriders · #9 (**permalink**) 03-17-2012

It seems to me that if you are going to manufacture something for the marine environment then you would make it resistant to corrosion and able to deflect incidental water spray. I'm not talking about sending it to the bottom or total submersion, but often we have very nearly 100% humidity and the formation of salt crystals on exposed parts, especially those with some sort of associated electrical field. I am forever amazed how quickly equipment deteriorates in a salt water environment.
Question: Where does Zantrex manufacture its products?
John