Do I need a New battery charger?

[Dave Swanson]

I have a 1989 Hunter 30. It has 2 group 24 gel cell batteries that were purchased in 1992 and 1995. Both batteries are used for house and starting loads. I am getting ready for a month long trip in Desolation Sound this summer and so I am trying to determine if I should replace the batteries. I took them to a local marine store where they did a load test and said that they appeared fine. Therefore, it appears that they do not need replaceemnt at this time. I have also been thinking about replacing the stock 8 amp RediAmp ferroresonant charger that came with the boat with a 3 stage charger. Has anyone done this with good results. The advice that I keep getting is to replace the charger, but with 7 and 10 year old gel cells apparently working just fine, I am having a hard time justifying the expense. I am also considering getting a combiner to avoid having to switch to "ALL" prior to charging them while motoring. Any advice or comments out there regarding battery replacement, charger upgrading, combiners or energy monitors?

 

[R. Young]

If it ain't broke, why fix it???

Pardon the cliche.

 

[Steve Dion]

Would not worry about the batteries.

Dave:I got 10+ years on my gels. I was using a Pro-Mariner charger that was similar to yours. I changed the charger about a year or so before I replaced the batteries. I was also amazed that I got that many years on the batteries with the 'wrong' charger type.If I were you I'd just leave everything as is, until you decide to upgrade your entire system. Then you should consider a charger like the Statpower or one of the other high quality smart chargers.

 

[larry w.]

Batteries

Dave; IMHO, you have what would be considered the bare minimum. If you run refridgeration, you won't be able to stay away from a plug-in charging source for very long. (I'm betting you have a really small alternator with an automotive-type regulator) Builders supply these kinds of system because they're inexpensive, but most knowledgeable owners upgrade to dedicated house banks, separage engine start battery, high-output alternators, smart chargers, etc. However, if you're a minimilist type, you might be able to get by with what you have.