On Board Charger

[mthieme]

Re: On Board Charger

Just out of curiosity, what is the wattage of the panel you use for the boat?
Thanx.

I use a 1.5 watt on each battery.
The batteries are in good shape and so is the charging system.
This just kinda keeps them topped off.
When I had a single battery that was left for a few months - I have found it to be dead. I've found these little solar panels to be sufficient under these circumstances.
On another boat with a 35 OB that the charging circuit is not working on, it is insufficient. But I only have to charge the battery once every other month when it starts to go dead.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: On Board Charger

Better check the dimensions of the Coleman CL1200 (18 Watt panel) that was mentioned earlier. If you intend to place this on the console of your boat, you had best have a big console as the panel is 42 inches long and 14 inches wide. This is also an expensive piece of equipment to leave out in the open unattended.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: On Board Charger

Better check the dimensions of the Coleman CL1200 (18 Watt panel) that was mentioned earlier. If you intend to place this on the console of your boat, you had best have a big console as the panel is 42 inches long and 14 inches wide. This is also an expensive piece of equipment to leave out in the open unattended.

I know I was astonished by the size when I first read about it. However it will fit across the dash as long as the companionway hatch is closed.

I do agree that it is a risk having it out in the open like that. However, we don't really have many incidences of theft out in the harbor. The wind guys keep their little outboards mounted over the deck rails in plain view, as well as their inflatables, and their SS grills. Plus I'm pretty far out in the mooring field.

 

[mthieme]

Re: On Board Charger

I have 13 of those on my roof.
I don't pay more than $4 watt.
If you walk into a store and buy one, you're gonna pay $10 watt.
Might be cheaper to do a second battery and Perco switch at that point or buy a jump box and keep it handy.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: On Board Charger

Amazon has them for $90 shipped. I think I'm going to opt for it.

I already have 2 batteries and a switch. I'm going to use the solar panel as a maintainer and purchase the previously mentioned Minn Kota 2 bank DC charger or a 2 bank isolator to increase the charge while the engine is running.

 

[mthieme]

Re: On Board Charger

That's not too bad. You'll be happy with this.
You'll want to get a blocking diode. This is only a buck or so. It prevents the juice from the battery flowing back to the panel thus damaging it.
I don't bother with this on the little panels - but they're only $10. I haven't damaged one yet.
On the 13 that are on my roof they are fed through multiple controllers then into multiple batteries. The controller provides this feature. In fact, if you intend not to use the boat for long periods, you might consider a controller. You're looking at $10-15 for the smallest unit which can easily handle up to 3 panels that size.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: On Board Charger

That's not too bad. You'll be happy with this.
You'll want to get a blocking diode. This is only a buck or so. It prevents the juice from the battery flowing back to the panel thus damaging it.
I don't bother with this on the little panels - but they're only $10. I haven't damaged one yet.
On the 13 that are on my roof they are fed through multiple controllers then into multiple batteries. The controller provides this feature. In fact, if you intend not to use the boat for long periods, you might consider a controller. You're looking at $10-15 for the smallest unit which can easily handle up to 3 panels that size.

That's great advice, thank you. I'm going to be sure to get the diode. I'll look into the controller as well. Thanx again.

-Mark

 

[mthieme]

Re: On Board Charger

I thought I might have one laying around - leftover from upgrades.
Sorry - came up empty.

 

[sailsmanship]

Re: On Board Charger

I vote for the battery pack, Why overthink it, I just keep a good quality jump starter pack onboard and take it home and freshen the charge every month or so and have no problems. Key is to get a good quality one, not the 39.95 ones that have a compressor,light,radio,microwave, t.v.ice maker etc. ha ha.
I paid about 120.00 for one called a Jump and Start 660 that I just love. It has real long leads compared to the stubby ones on the cheap ones, and has successfully jumped every high compression motor including diesels I own.

 

[mthieme]

Re: On Board Charger

Personally, I'd rather leave the dock with a fully charged battery than one that just needed a jump start.