Replacing Battery Charger

[EdWard3]

So I'm trying to figure out if I should do this project on my own, or get professional help.

Currently I have 3 batteries in my 1980 Hunter Cherubini 30. Two 12V deep cycle/Starting batteries are beneath the cockpit access panel and the third deep cycle/starting battery is beneath the stern lazerette. I don't know if this was the original configuration or from PO. I assume, but am not sure that the two beneath the cockpit access panel are one bank, and the stern battery is bank number 2.

I want to replace the existing battery charger (see pictures). There is a battery isolator (see pics) which I assume separates the two banks for charging purposes.

I am considering purchasing a ProMariner ProSport 20 Gen 3 20amp, 2 bank 3 battery charger. I'm assuming I will no longer need the isolator in place with this new charger?

Would it be best to remove the 12V wires from the existing charger to the isolator and then install the new charger and run the new cables directly to each battery?

I would love to know what other owners have done when updating their charging system.

 

[dsaniti]

Search for my similar question.
My title was battery charger for Hunter 30T
Stu replied with a lot of very good information!
Made me change my direction.
My post was 3/21/15 under the ask a Hunter owner

 

[jtm]

He's my setup in a nutshell. I had 2 batteries with isolator and the 1,2 or both switch.
I bought the pro mariner 12 charger ( supports 2 batteries ) and ran the charger wires directly to each battery - leaving the existing isolator in place. Note that there is a "primary " battery charge line from the charger to ensure the starter battery gets preferential attention by the charger.
It has worked well for me over the last 4-5 years.