Battery charger

[Iliade]

People seem to get all hot under the collar when it comes to multiple battery charging systems.

Why not just have a cheap float charger for each battery? Far cheaper than a 'proper' system, more amps than a single cheap charger and an element of redundancy lest one fails.

Probably best to switch one off when you select 'both' on the big round switch, but maybe not an issue.

I used cheap Lazer float chargers for about 15 years, at about 5 years per charger before the salt would take its due. Still way cheaper than a 'marine' system, even assuming that lasted the 15 years...

The most important things seem to be to ensure good connections, i.e., ditch the croc-clips and to put the charger and batteries somewhere salt-free, dry and well ventilated. I would suggest a garage, but I don't think the op's boat would fit :0)

 

[lustyd]

People seem to get all hot under the collar when it comes to multiple battery charging systems.

Why not just have a cheap float charger for each battery? Far cheaper than a 'proper' system, more amps than a single cheap charger and an element of redundancy lest one fails.

Probably best to switch one off when you select 'both' on the big round switch, but maybe not an issue.

I used cheap Lazer float chargers for about 15 years, at about 5 years per charger before the salt would take its due. Still way cheaper than a 'marine' system, even assuming that lasted the 15 years...

The most important things seem to be to ensure good connections, i.e., ditch the croc-clips and to put the charger and batteries somewhere salt-free, dry and well ventilated. I would suggest a garage, but I don't think the op's boat would fit :0)

How much did you pay for this system? As I mentioned above, CTEK do a "proper" marine unit for £40, and one for £100. The salt won't get in because it's water and dust proof, and it comes with both croc and ring connectors as well as sufficient cable to mount the unit "indoors". Fair enough if you pay £5 per charger, but I really can't see the difference being that big. Also, when batteries are £100 each, a multistage charger may be better value in the long run because you'll replace all your batteries after 3 years while the reconditioning cycle on the proper charger may extend that to 6 or more years. True economy only shows itself in the long term.

 

[reeac]

Depending on your setup it is usually 1, 2 and "both" on to connect house and starter together. However, as you say, the starter usually looks after itself if you give it a brief charge regularly. It's the house that need the length of charge and the various cheaper chargers mentioned will do that safely as long as they switch themselves off when charged.

I bought a Ring 16A Smartcharger with quite sophistcated auto charging for £95. It's got a meaty output though it did go "phut" when I tried it across my old house and starter together. Replaced no questions by vendor.

I've now been lucky enough to splash out on a Sterling Procharge Ultra 20A unit which is plug in and forget and quick to restore charge too but a tidy £230.

I assume that the "phut" was more serious than a blown fuse if the vendors replaced the whole charger. Seems to lend support to my feelings about Ring products although I can't remember if the oven bulbs went "phut".

 

[PeterGibbs]

Hi

I need to get a charger to top up my batteries, can I just pop to Argos and buy any charger or do I need a more specific one?
Thanks

You'll find the amp output of the Halfords / Argos charger will not impress your battery (S) bank. You need 15-20 amp for most set-ups (200-300 amp battery bank, service and starter) Costs rise sharply as you get into these realms.

So, might as well go for a multi-phase charger that will optimise your setup. I've just been through this exercise, and chose the Sterling charger. 3 outlets so you can independently charge the starter and service batteries in parallel. Paid £230 or so - easy DIY instal.
Keeps the batteries float charged all winter. I recommend them.

PWG
(no connection with Sterling)

 

[elton]

You'll find the amp output of the Halfords / Argos charger will not impress your battery (S) bank. You need 15-20 amp for most set-ups (200-300 amp battery bank, service and starter)

Why? I rarely draw more than about an Amp or two from my 2x100Ah batteries when connected to the mains on the pontoon. The 7.5Ah charger keep the batteries topped up while I'm using the computer and the LED interior lights. When I leave the boat the charger is always "at idle" meaning the batteries are fully charged. I can't see why I'd ever need a 20 Amp charger.

 

[PeterGibbs]

Why? I can't see why I'd ever need a 20 Amp charger.

And when you do?

PWG

 

[elton]

And when you do?

PWG

I don't think I'll bother spending £230 on something I'm never going to need.

 

[Modulation]

I've been using one of these for years -£58 at Halfords. It's permanently on when I'm aboard at the pontoon.

And so have I. And it's on when I'm not on the boat just to keep things charged. Had no problems for the last 5 years tho' I started with new Trojan deep cycle batteries which are good.