Installing 12/24 onboard charger preferences?

EzGoinFlGuy

I'm back fishing for experienced advice from the Hurricane Boat Club Guys about onboard 12/24 battery chargers. I'm mounting my two batteries under the aft port lounge seat. Everything is set up for my bow-mount. Charging is going to be an issue. Any tips on brand, hookups, diagrams? I  want a classy/quality install, so I don't have to drag the charger out every time before I go out. Just plug-n-play so to speak and be confident both 12 & 24 volt systems will be charged to capacity and ready to go when I head out early in AM dark. Getting lazy in my old age... :O) 

 

EZ

cjjjdeck

You will find having the on-board charger a real convenience.  There are quite a few manufacturers that make them, many out there are pretty good and I hope others will share their experience.  

One thing you want to be sure of is that the charger is fully water proof (not water resistant).  Also, if you're using/considering higher technology batteries (AGM - Absorbed Glass Mat or Gel), make sure the charger has the technology (they use a microprocessor) built in to charge them properly.

I've used Dual Pro on-board marine chargers, from Pro Charging Systems, on both my previous and current boat.  Their chargers are very reliable, completely water proof and can charge wet-cell and AGM batteries (not Gel).  I chose the Professional model on my current boat because I wanted the higher amperage output for my AGM batteries.  If your using starting and/or deep cycle wet cell batteries, then the lower amperage Sportsman and Recreation models are fine.  I like that Professional and Sportsman models are repairable and made in the USA (Tennessee).  Pro Charging Systems also have great customer support.  You may want to check them out, here's a link to their website:

http://www.dualpro.com/home/default/

MichelBee

I have a Minn Kota 3 banks charger (MK330D).  Very Happy with it. After reading cjjdeck's post.  I checked and it is waterproof also.

My setup is similar to what you are planning.  My main battery is port at the back and I have my 2 trolling batteries in the port side console (187OB with full windshield).  My charger is under the port side seat. This allows me to charge the 2 trolling motor batteries and the starter battery without the need to extend any of the connection wires.

The convenience is well worth the extra couple of dollars.

EzGoinFlGuy

Thanks, soon I'll have everything I need to get her up and runnin. Storm fronts coming in today, will give me time to shop for remaining electrical goodies.

Will definitely look into these chargers.

It's good to know that there are those that have been in my shoes having learned the hard way and are willing to share their experience. A big "THANKS TO YOU GUYS"!

EZ

delhaven

I'd like to install a simple charger that I can keep connected to 120 volt shore power. I have two size 24 starting batteries with a switch. The boat is on a lift and I only want to keep the batteries "conditioned", so a trickle type charger will probably work. Any ideas as to what I should use that will mount in the engine room, stay connected and charge two batteries?