onboard charger - ProSport 8?

[DevonS]

From all my reading it appears that in my situation (and most with outboards) that a battery isolator just isn't sufficient. That is, the charging system won't be sufficient to charge two batteries. I plan on adding a second battery for accessories such as a small stereo, fish finder, and a 12V plug. I found an onboard charger at Canadian Tire, but I thought I'd check iBoats to see what they have to offer. I found this charger. Would the ProSport 8 be sufficient for my application and does anyone have an opinion about this brand? The one at Canuck Tire is here

Now, I realize an onboard charger will be great for when I have the boat near a power outlet, but what about the week or so that my boat will sit in a marina/lot while we're on vacation? We'll be on the boat daily most likely, then parking it back in the lot (trailered obviously). My radio will be dead in a couple days that way.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: onboard charger - ProSport 8?

I prefer Guest but I do have one of these on my pontoon and it seems to be fine. As for charging your batteries away from AC power I don't think you have an issue as you didn't say you had a trolling motor which are energy hounds. If you have a good size starting battery and the auxiliary battery is a good size (group 27) deep cycle you should last a week. If either battery does get low, remove it and hook it to the tow vehicle with jumper cables to give it a boost. Keep in mind the truck would need to run for an hour or more to provide any meaningful charge. Even once a day for half hour should get you by provided you don't run all of the electrics except when actually needed. Tunes are not #1 on my priority list when I'm in the backwoods.

 

[DevonS]

Re: onboard charger - ProSport 8?

thanks for the input. I'll make sure I get a 27+ deep cycle for my spare. Tunes will close to a top priority for our vacation outing since it'll be us and the kids and tubing/boarding.