what smart charger...

[AIDY]

I what to install a smart charger on the boat. I've not looked into it for a few years so what would you recommend these days. A few years back i was looking at an advec, but never got round to doing anything about it.

I've got nothing fancy at the moment other than charging 3 domestic and 1 engine battery (all wet cells) from the alternator. don't really wahat to put a bigger alternator on.

thanks for any advice....

 

[uxb]

Call Ardverk...

 

[BabaYaga]

I'd suggest that you start by finding out what voltage your present (internal) voltage regulator delivers, when the batteries are fully charged.
If this value is around 14,4 volts then there is perhaps not such a great improvement to be expected from adding an Adverc.
If it is only 14,1 or lower an Adverc, Sterling or similar could be useful.
Also, if you have a significant voltage drop between the alternator and batteries, as would be the case with splitting diodes, an external smart regulator like the Adverc would compensate for that. But a VSR or even a simple dumb relay might be a better way of solving that problem.

For getting into voltage regulation I have found this to be helpful:
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=125392

 

[pvb]

I'd suggest you spend a few quid more and get a Sterling Alternator to Battery Charger. You can get an 80A one for about £250.

There are some important advantages versus the ordinary Adverc/Sterling "smart" regulators. Firstly, there's no need to mess about adding a wire to the alternator. Secondly, the unit has isolated outputs, so you can ditch any diode splitter you might have. Thirdly, the output to the start battery is unboosted, so it won't apply excess voltages to it for long periods. And fourthly, the unit offers a 4-step charging cycle which includes a true float phase (which smart regulators don't do).

 

[Deleted member 36384]

I purchased a Sterling Pro Charge Ultra and have been very satisfied with it. Its a mains charger which is perhaps what you are looking for to supplement the alternator; maybe not.

I bought it for these reasons: I spent quite a bit of time out the UK and as such the boat is left unattended. I didn't want to leave the wind generator on in the marina, the batteries may not get a good charge when I am out sailing anyway, the batteries are older and the automatic de-sulphating cycle would appear to be beneficial for the older battery, I wanted plug and play ease of installation and can be left on if I can't get to the boat.

So far, it has proved to be a good choice. I find the batteries are always in a good state of charge (as one would expect) and they perform much better than before when out at sea and relying on the engine / wind generator.

Something to consider.

 

[pmagowan]

I used an Adverc m200 I think. Seems very well built. I use it for keeping the batteries charged when at a marina as I was having a slight draw from my bilge pump which does an admirable job of preventing my sinking. I have a split charge system with a VSR and was considering wiring so as to charge both but worried that it would confuse the charger and also the start battery is isolated anyway and so only needs a top-up if left for months. So far it has worked well, both reconditioning and keeping the whole system tip-top.