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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Battery charger recommendations

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Todd Frye
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/09/2003 : 12:05:40

I remember a good discussion on battery chargers but can't seem to find it. Since my old (it’s got to be at least 20 years old) charger doesn't seem to be doing its job, I'm looking at the new generation of chargers out there. I would like something that will maintain my battery over the off-season, but also be able to give a charge during the season, after a week on the water. I do have a solar panel that has done pretty well with keeping up with power demands (CD player, auto pilot, GPS and cabin lights), but feel I need to maintain a better charge over the off-season. I have one 12 volt, wet cell (acid), marine deep cycle battery, 115 amp hour, 6.5 hrs @ 15amps. So far, I am leaning towards the "Guest, Charge Pro" portable 3 stage charger. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Todd Frye

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 12:32:15

I use a Sears brand fully automatic onboard charger and it has performed flawlessly.

Edited by - on

matsche
Captain

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USA
280 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 13:26:24

I use a [url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=29820&catalogId=10001&classNum=683&subdeptNum=544&storeNum=9"]Truecharge 10A[/url] charger available from West. It's a multi-stage charger that will charge relatively quickly, then trickle charge so as not to fry your battery. My model is for 2 batteries, but they make single battery chargers as well. I've had it for 2 years with no problems. I typically leave it on all year round. I've only had to add water to the batteries twice in 2 years.

Edited by - matsche on 12/09/2003 13:27:26

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 14:11:48

This summer I installed the Guest Charge Pro 2611 (West Marine # 307530). I like the fact that it is sealed and has no moving parts. It can charge 2 batteries at 5A each, or, as I did, you can put both wires on the same battery and charge at 10A.

I mounted it up high on the upper aft bulkhead in the aft berth. I flip the breaker, and then it has two LED's which indicate at which stage it is. You can see them from the galley/starboard settee.

I also run it when in dock, then it replaces the juice as we go. So far it has performed very well. I have 1 115A deep cycle wet cell battery, but now still the option to add a second battery.

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay "Sunrise on the Neuse River"

Edited by - Oscar on 12/09/2003 14:14:02

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 14:14:38

I installed the Guest 2607
http://www.marinco2.com/showProduct.asp?p=2607
in Oct. I put it in the lazzarette on the fiberglass bulkhead behind the galley sink. I tied it to the Guest battery switch directly above it so everything I needed to connect to was right there. It is a sealed unit. It is doing a very nice job. I hope it works well for years. I bought it from my local sailboat dealer and saw it $15 cheaper at a powerboat dealer a week later. They are marketed as a powerboat charger for some reason. The seem to be targeted to the trolling motor batteries.

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Carl B.
1st Mate

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USA
83 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 19:15:34

I also installed the Guest Charger Pro 2611 like Oscar. Installed the same place & hook it up like Frank. The only thing I did different was run a larger size ground wire to the batteries. I also have had no problems with this unit. I leave it plugged in all the time when I’m in the slip.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 20:26:34

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Carl B.
 I also installed the Guest Charger Pro 2611 like Oscar. Installed the same place & hook it up like Frank. The only thing I did different was run a larger size ground wire to the batteries. I also have had no problems with this unit. I leave it plugged in all the time when I’m in the slip.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Hi Carl,
I went for my first sailboat ride on a Flying Junior in Lake Hefner, I was in my early 30s. I went home and bought a boat and a book. Hefner is a great place to sail.

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