Chargemate 2502

[wp1234]

Given that I have a new boat and was really unsure about how it was wired up I asked a marine electrician to take a look over the boat. Once done and seeing that the three batteries are wired up in parallel he recommended that I split the three batteries so that one was entirely dedicated to the engine start function and the other two purely for domestics. This seemed to make sense to me in that I would be 100% sure that I could start the engine even if I depleted the other two.
He suggested fitting a Mastervolt Chargemate 2502 as an addition but am just wondering if anyone has used this system and is it really worth the £175 + fitting.
Any advice would be appreciated

 

[kcollins]

Splitting the battery banks makes absolute sense. Haven't heard of the charger you mention. I installed a Sterling 50A charger last year and haven't looked back since! Would recommend it.

 

[VicS]

Yes I would agree splitting the batteries into two banks would be sensible.

I have however never seen The Mastervolt Chargemate mentioned on these forums before.

It does offer an interesting solution to charging two banks without the complications of voltage drop and battery sensing for the alternator that are associated with diode splitters. On the other hand apart from a short delay before closing it does not appear to give the priority to the starter battery that a voltage sensitive relay (VSR) can give at least if just used in automatic mode.

The addition of the manual override switch would be worthwhile IMHO or even the "start assist" button on its own to offer a convenient way of switching both banks together for starting if needed

I think you should compare what it does with what a VSR or an electronic device such as Driftgate's X-Split will do and of course the relative prices before committing yourself. I am sure though that if you opt for it people on here will be interested in any feedback.

 

[VicS]

On further reflection I think now is the time to decide if you will be wanting to fit any form of smart alternator regulator that will maximise the alternator output and optimise the battery charging.

If you will then now might be the time to fit one with dual outputs for the two battery banks and forget about the Chargemate.