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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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What type battary charger are you using

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/31/2006 : 17:57:52

Hi All, my slip has shore power and I want to install a barrary charger and inverter on the boat. What do you all recommend? Cheers.

Dennis
No Boat
S.E. Michigan

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 19:07:18

Guest 6amp

Probably underpowered for the 2 deep cycles we are running, but our motors got an alternator. That size is the smallest they made when we got it. I'd recommend the next size up. Do you already have a shore power connection onboard?

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danandlu
Navigator

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USA
175 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 19:35:04

Hi Dennis.

I just purchased a 30 amp "smart" charger at West Marine. It was on clearance on the 24th for $89.99 (regularly inflated to $149.99) at their store in Spokane, WA (it's the closest WM for me - 200 miles). I haven't used it yet but from what I've read it should work for me. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?resultCt=1& jspStoreDir=wm51& catalogId=10001& productId=248294& keyword=6885776& y=15& x=15& storeId=10001& ddkey=SiteSearch

I just called Spokane WM, the clearance price is not available online, only in their stores. She said there is no expiration on this price, apparently a clearance.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 19:40:16

I use the 15 amp version of the Charles 5000 marine grade three stage charger. It is the only unit I know of with a selector switch to change the charging profile to match the type of battery you use. I use deep cycle marine wet cells so mine is set to those, if I ever buy gels I can throw a switch.

Charles Bttery Charger, 5000 SP Series - 12volt, 15amp,
WM#5321260 manufacturer # 93-12155SP-A Only $329.99 USD
The only Marine UL chargers available with a battery type selector switch, allow you to charge Lead Acid, Gel or AGM batteries. Tested by Marine UL for safety and durability against impact, vibration, temperature and shock. Feature 3-stage charging, with temperature compensation, which delivers the greatest charge when the battery is most able to accept it, prevents overcharging and extends battery life. Restore up to 3 banks simultaneously. These units also act as a power supply providing constant voltage to DC components such as bilge pumps or DC lighting. Ignition and reverse-polarity protected, designed with corrosion resistant components, a heavy-duty enclosure and heat sink for durability in the marine environment. The convenient design features an easy-to-read DC ammeter, access to terminal connections and fuses and exterior slots for easy mounting.

Edited by - Frank Hopper on 01/31/2006 19:48:01

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 19:46:36

What do you plan on powering with the inverter and for how long?

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 20:51:47

Hi Duane, yes the shore power connect is there and runs into the factory AC braker.

Hi Frank, that unit looks good but I just don't have the funds for that right now. I was actually thinking about a trickle charger that I use on my motorcycle. It might last awhile as I am in freash water.

Hi Don, that is a great question. I am still thinking about it and really can't come up with a good answer. Maybe I don't need an inverter. Cheers.

Edited by - on

Happy D
Admiral

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921 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 21:06:53

Funny you should ask. I just called and inquired about a Guest Charger. I talked to her (customer service engineer) about the correct charger for my boat. She asked if I had any load on the system while at the dock. If you are hooked up to shore power, you might turn on the radio or something. I told he yes. She replied that "Guest does not make a charger that will provide what I want. They only make chargers that are used to top off trolling motor batteries after a day of fishing." Their chargers are only for topping off deep cycle batteries and will not supply dock side loads. What I gathered from the conversation is that their chargers program them selves to fully charge the batteries. If a load is placed on the batteries during the charging cycle it will mess up the program.
I called Pro-Mariner and their chargers will switch back to bulk charge when a load is placed on the batteries at the dock. After the load is removed, the charger will go back to the 3 step charge and bring the batteries back to float voltage.
I bought a factory reconditioned charger for $122.00 plus shipping. Regular list is $508.00. 3 bank, 3 step charger. They highly recommended balancing the battery bank. All group 24s or all group 27s and never mix 24s and 27s.
Whoever’s charger you buy, I recommend calling customer service and talking to them about what you want. They are very knowledgeable about charging and their products.
I still have a lot of reading to do before I fully understand this battery charging stuff.
No inverter. Don't want one.
Dan

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 21:45:15

I suggest you read the article in our tech tips.
http://www.catalina25-250.org/tech/Batterychg.pdf
There is a reason good chargers cost a lot, it intrigues me that so many worry so much about so many sub-systems on our boats but go cheap on one that can burn our boat down.

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AADIVER
Admiral

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USA
966 Posts

Response Posted - 02/01/2006 : 01:35:36

I've been using a Guest Pal 35 buck trickle charger for the last three years on my deep cycle Group 24. Now it's helped with my new Tohatsu 9.8 electric start with alternator. But my only battery drain is cabin and running lights. At full charge the green LED fades on and off indicating maintaining full charge. When the motor's running and the AC is disconnected, the LED glows steady.
Simple, effective operation for my personal needs.

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