Please help this novice. I have a 25' weekender sailboat and need battery power only for inside (lights, bilge, etc.) I will recharge while moored using shore power connections. What type of charger do I really need, if I plan to charge the battery while using the inside lights etc. while charging/docked. The online Marine stores said I need a special charger ($300 - $400). Local stores (professional contractors home improvement) say no that a normal trickle charger that knows when to stop charging ($50) would be just fine. I'm only running lights (inside, mask, running) and bilge pump at this point. Thanks for any and all advise!!
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Rich Stidger
Just be sure it is marine certified
The important point is that whatever charger you purchase and install, it must be a unit that is designed for marine use. The difference isn't just a rust-resistant case, or a higher price tag, but a design that isolates the 12V output from the AC input. This feature is CRITICAL to your safety and the safety of others docked around you. In addition, the integrity of your boat's underwater metal is at stake. An improper 'automotive-type' charger can cause severe galvanic corrosion of your (and your neighbor's) underwater shafts, thru-hulls, struts, outboards, outdrives, etc. A case in point. A friend of mine took his powerboat to Florida last year. He docked it at a marina, plugged in to keep his batteries charged, and returned north for the holidays. After 5 weeks he returned to Florida for the rest of the winter. Shortly after returning he noticed that his boat had a unusual vibration under way. When he dove on his running gear, he found that both of his props ($800 each) and his rudders were damaged from corrosion. In fact, his props were a total loss. The metal was so attacked that he could snap off the tip of the blades with his fingers! He eventually found that a live-aboard sailboat several slips away was using an ordinary extension cord to power a battery charger. The cause of this damage was still hard to prove and it cost my buddy close to $3K to put everything right again. Being afraid to leave his boat in the water, he hauled it and stored until time to come back north. He never got to use his boat all winter. A real horror story. If cost is an issue (like when isn't it...), look for a used charger, one too small for someone else-perfect for you). Just make sure it is a MARINE unit. Hope this helps. Rich
The important point is that whatever charger you purchase and install, it must be a unit that is designed for marine use. The difference isn't just a rust-resistant case, or a higher price tag, but a design that isolates the 12V output from the AC input. This feature is CRITICAL to your safety and the safety of others docked around you. In addition, the integrity of your boat's underwater metal is at stake. An improper 'automotive-type' charger can cause severe galvanic corrosion of your (and your neighbor's) underwater shafts, thru-hulls, struts, outboards, outdrives, etc. A case in point. A friend of mine took his powerboat to Florida last year. He docked it at a marina, plugged in to keep his batteries charged, and returned north for the holidays. After 5 weeks he returned to Florida for the rest of the winter. Shortly after returning he noticed that his boat had a unusual vibration under way. When he dove on his running gear, he found that both of his props ($800 each) and his rudders were damaged from corrosion. In fact, his props were a total loss. The metal was so attacked that he could snap off the tip of the blades with his fingers! He eventually found that a live-aboard sailboat several slips away was using an ordinary extension cord to power a battery charger. The cause of this damage was still hard to prove and it cost my buddy close to $3K to put everything right again. Being afraid to leave his boat in the water, he hauled it and stored until time to come back north. He never got to use his boat all winter. A real horror story. If cost is an issue (like when isn't it...), look for a used charger, one too small for someone else-perfect for you). Just make sure it is a MARINE unit. Hope this helps. Rich
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Dave Busby
Truecharge 10TB
I have the same cituation. I looked at ALL available chargers, and my requiremments, and went with the Statpower Truecharge 10TB. I got it on sale at DefenderUS.com for $129 (on sale) last March. It is an excellent charger, works great for this type cituation. I leave it pluged in 24/7....no problems. I re-did my electrical panel befoe I installed my charger, I just wanted a better panel. I have pictures on the HOW projects forum. Let me know if you have any questions.
I have the same cituation. I looked at ALL available chargers, and my requiremments, and went with the Statpower Truecharge 10TB. I got it on sale at DefenderUS.com for $129 (on sale) last March. It is an excellent charger, works great for this type cituation. I leave it pluged in 24/7....no problems. I re-did my electrical panel befoe I installed my charger, I just wanted a better panel. I have pictures on the HOW projects forum. Let me know if you have any questions.
Truecharger
Isabella: I would go with Dave suggestion. If you start looking for one you may not find them with the Statpower name any longer. I believe that they will now be called Xantrex Truechargers. They have several models. There are other good ones on the market too, but these guys have a good reputation. Stay away from Guest. Be sure that you have a proper installation too. You may want to look up their website. They have a store that sells reconditioned ones too.
Isabella: I would go with Dave suggestion. If you start looking for one you may not find them with the Statpower name any longer. I believe that they will now be called Xantrex Truechargers. They have several models. There are other good ones on the market too, but these guys have a good reputation. Stay away from Guest. Be sure that you have a proper installation too. You may want to look up their website. They have a store that sells reconditioned ones too.
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David
Charger
When considering a charger be aware that the major cause of premature failure of standard batteries in boats is the use of a full time on board charger connected to shore power combined with dirty and loose terminals at the battery.
When considering a charger be aware that the major cause of premature failure of standard batteries in boats is the use of a full time on board charger connected to shore power combined with dirty and loose terminals at the battery.
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Isabella
Sentry SM 1260/3 charger??
Thanks to all! I feel much better as I was leaning toward spending the extra money anyway. Question: Can anyone comment on this battery charger? nearly new Sentry 3 bank charger, 60amp model number is SM 1260/3. (for $150) Many thanks!
Thanks to all! I feel much better as I was leaning toward spending the extra money anyway. Question: Can anyone comment on this battery charger? nearly new Sentry 3 bank charger, 60amp model number is SM 1260/3. (for $150) Many thanks!
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Dave Busby
Way too much...
charger...You don't need it....It will be bigger physically and take up more room. Keep it simple and small.....I think that the TrueCharge 10TB is your best bet... It is still $129 at Defender....Good Luck...
charger...You don't need it....It will be bigger physically and take up more room. Keep it simple and small.....I think that the TrueCharge 10TB is your best bet... It is still $129 at Defender....Good Luck...
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Don
Steve Dion...Whats wrong with 'Ouest'
I just bought a Quest battery charger....model 2611 for my 27' Sailboat. It seems to be working real well. After reading the post about staying away from 'Quest', its made me wonder why. Would appreciate some insight.
I just bought a Quest battery charger....model 2611 for my 27' Sailboat. It seems to be working real well. After reading the post about staying away from 'Quest', its made me wonder why. Would appreciate some insight.
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David
Nothing wrong until they cook your batteries.
If you go back and look in the archives. You will find many complaints about these chargers cooking batteries or the units buring up. The reason that I purchase the Statpower (Xantrex) was a recommendation from the fellow that does the electrical work on my boat. He claimed that these where the best units at a reasonable price. I was looking for a unit that I could depend on. I leave my battery charger on 24 x 7 and quite often I am not at the boat for 3-6 weeks during the winter.
If you go back and look in the archives. You will find many complaints about these chargers cooking batteries or the units buring up. The reason that I purchase the Statpower (Xantrex) was a recommendation from the fellow that does the electrical work on my boat. He claimed that these where the best units at a reasonable price. I was looking for a unit that I could depend on. I leave my battery charger on 24 x 7 and quite often I am not at the boat for 3-6 weeks during the winter.
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Tom
Yes it is important to have a true 3 stage battery
charger (Or 4 stage -- equalization). (that is 3 stages -- not 3 outputs). It keeps the batteries from "cooking" and you can leave it on 7x24.
charger (Or 4 stage -- equalization). (that is 3 stages -- not 3 outputs). It keeps the batteries from "cooking" and you can leave it on 7x24.
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Bob Camarena
I agree that 3-stage is critical
I upgraded to a 3-stage West Marine charger a few years ago (about $120 or so at the time) and it made all the difference in the world compared to my old charger. My old charger ruined my batteries in a fairly short period of time. There's no need to spend more than $150 or so for a 3-stage 10 amp charger.
I upgraded to a 3-stage West Marine charger a few years ago (about $120 or so at the time) and it made all the difference in the world compared to my old charger. My old charger ruined my batteries in a fairly short period of time. There's no need to spend more than $150 or so for a 3-stage 10 amp charger.
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ron sloan
Quest
I have a charger just like yours. I have had it for 3yrs. We go through some rough winters up here and during that time my batteries are on a steady charge with Guest. Does a GREAT job
I have a charger just like yours. I have had it for 3yrs. We go through some rough winters up here and during that time my batteries are on a steady charge with Guest. Does a GREAT job
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