cheap chargers ok for deep cycle batteries???

[sergioy]

I just purchased a couple of Black and Decker 1 and 2 amp chargers for my deep cycle batteries. They are pretty handy but from reading on here I am questioning if this will be enough. I had looked at several chargers at bass pro shops, but could not justify the cost. Am I missing something or do I really need once of these high priced battery chargers

 

[JB]

Re: cheap chargers ok for deep cycle batteries???

The B&Ds will work okay, WS.<br /><br />They will take a long time and you have to monitor them so that you don't overcharge the batteries. <br /><br />The best monitor is a hydrometer. When it shows full charge, disconnect. That may take several days on a deeply discharged battery.<br /><br />Good luck. You have made a lot of work and time to save a few bux.

 

[briannh1234]

Re: cheap chargers ok for deep cycle batteries???

IMHO smart chargers are the way to go. No need to worry about anything just plug it in. I recently purchased a Black and Decker 12v weed wacker. Came with a .75 amp smart charger. If your chargers have the smarts then theres nothing to worry about.<br /><br />I bought a cheap smart charger at wal-mart for around $30. Says it works with all kinds of batteries including AGM's and Gell Cell's. It is not marine rated and recommends charging boat battery by removing them from the boat first.<br /><br />If you are going to charge your battery while the boat is floating without removing the battery then you should get a MARINE smart charger to avoid igniting any fumes that can collect in a boat. The marine ones do cost more...

 

[sergioy]

Re: cheap chargers ok for deep cycle batteries???

These here are not suppossed to over-charge a battery. And their use does does include marine batteries. I guess the only thing that would really apply from what JB said is the fact that they will be very slow.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: cheap chargers ok for deep cycle batteries???

Originally posted by briannh1234:<br /> <br />I bought a cheap smart charger at wal-mart for around $30. Says it works with all kinds of batteries including AGM's and Gell Cell's. It is not marine rated and recommends charging boat battery by removing them from the boat first.<br /><br />

I purchase one of those and installed it in the Ski Supreme as an onboard charger. The Battery is under the passenger seat and has a 1 amp and a 2 amp setting. It works great and when the boat is sitting in the boat house they put it on the 1 amp setting and leave it plugged in. I warned them to lift the seat cussion, dont know if they do.

 

[sergioy]

Re: cheap chargers ok for deep cycle batteries???

Man JB, you weren't kiding when you said it would take a long time. I am going to give them a try over the next few weeks and see how I like them, hopefully once I get them working on a regular basis they will not be soo slow.<br />If not, i've got my receipt and I am not afraid to use it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: cheap chargers ok for deep cycle batteries???

There are any number of on-board smart chargers available here on iBoats, Cabelas, BassPro and other marine outlets. I use a Cabelas brand, made by Guest. It has 6A outputs and is permanently installed in the boat. I plug in at the dock when I'm done fishing and the batteries are ready to go again next morning. A single output is available less than $40.00.