Guest Chargers Any Good ??

[Ed V.]

Hi All,I need to install a new charger in My 1983 25 and am wondering if the West marine Guests are any good. They seem to be the cheapest, but that usually means they are the cheapest. My other choice for more money would be a Professional Mariner 10-30 or 15-30, but if the Guests do the job and last more than a couple years, why spend the money. The newmars I think are too pricey for my needs. Also, my compass is on the bulkhead starboard side, probably within a couple feet of where the charger will go. Any problems here ? Thanks for any comments !

 

[Gene Kauffman]

Guest is good

Ed, I recently installed a guest charger. I also work at a major marine retailer and sell them and advise people on them every day. Buy a built in charger with permanent connections and install an outside plug with cover (by Marinco) so you can just plug in an extension cord. The thing to consider is make sure the charger is the correct one for your battery type. Don't use a cheap charger system with gel or AGM batteries, they need a more sophisticated system. You can leave this charger plugged in all the time while at the dock. It starts out at 10 amps and tapers down to maintain the battery without cooking it. I think it retails for abound $130.00, but well worth it.