Recommend a charger?

[Mike in Tac]

I have a 25 hp evinrude and a small minnkota trolling motor. I have a a regular and a deep cell batteries to run them. My Sears Die Hard charger went ka-put on me. Can anyone recommend a new charger? There seem to be a million different types online. I was thinking of getting a regular charger, plus on of those kinds that you can keep plugged into the wall so that the battery always stays topped off ("float" charger, I think).

Thanks,
MIT

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Recommend a charger?

Depends.... on how often you go out with the boat. I too use a trickle charger to keep the battery fresh....... for the deep cell if you have allot of use then look at some of the chargers in the iboats store or get a 2/6 or a 1/5 charger so it charges in about 8-10 hours. Yeah I would suggest 2 chargers.

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Recommend a charger?

i use a smart charger from black and decker,it turns itself off at full charge, or one with a timer, otherwise i will forget and cook a battery

 

[Grandad]

Re: Recommend a charger?

I've had good results using the MultiUS3300, a "smart" charger from ctek. I've only used it since early summer, but it is compact and functions as advertised, keeping the batteries topped off and ready for use.- Grandad
100_4404.jpg photo by Karsh2 | Photobucket

 

[tazrig]

Re: Recommend a charger?

I have a 25 hp evinrude and a small minnkota trolling motor. I have a a regular and a deep cell batteries to run them. My Sears Die Hard charger went ka-put on me. Can anyone recommend a new charger? There seem to be a million different types online. I was thinking of getting a regular charger, plus on of those kinds that you can keep plugged into the wall so that the battery always stays topped off ("float" charger, I think).

Thanks,
MIT

You're right there are a bunch to choose from. I've had real good luck with my sears unit but which ever one you go with make sure it has a setting for "deep cycle batteries" as they need to be charged differently than regular batteries. A float or trickle charger is a nice addition as a separate unit, but depending on what you are willing to spend there are units that will do both.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Recommend a charger?

make sure it has a setting for "deep cycle batteries" as they need to be charged differently than regular batteries. A float or trickle charger is a nice addition as a separate unit, but depending on what you are willing to spend there are units that will do both.

Taz, I've never seen a charger with a 'deep cycle' setting. Smart chargers allow you to charge according to the battery's internal construction - flooded (lead-acid) vs. AGM vs. Gel Cell.

A flooded deep cycle battery and a flooded starting battery both have the same charging profile. The same is true of AGM's and Gel Cells.

My .02

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Recommend a charger?

You might look into an onboard charger if you have the room. They are not real big actually and will do everything you want by simply plugging it in when you come home. The one I have also will charge and maintain different types of batteries. Several manufacturers out there. Mine is a pro-mariner and I'm real happy with it.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Recommend a charger?

Taz, I've never seen a charger with a 'deep cycle' setting. Smart chargers allow you to charge according to the battery's internal construction - flooded (lead-acid) vs. AGM vs. Gel Cell.

A flooded deep cycle battery and a flooded starting battery both have the same charging profile. The same is true of AGM's and Gel Cells.

My .02

My Sears Die Hard Automatic 10/2/60 amp charger:

Owner's Manual - DIEHARD Battery charger 200713101 - ManageMyLife.com

has a setting for automatic regular, automatic deep cycle and manual. I think the difference is because in a deep cycle the plates in the battery are thicker so it has to be charged slower. Sort of like how an AGM takes longer to charge than a regular battery but holds it's charge longer.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Recommend a charger?

My Sears Die Hard Automatic 10/2/60 amp charger:

Owner's Manual - DIEHARD Battery charger 200713101 - ManageMyLife.com

has a setting for automatic regular, automatic deep cycle and manual. I think the difference is because in a deep cycle the plates in the battery are thicker so it has to be charged slower. Sort of like how an AGM takes longer to charge than a regular battery but holds it's charge longer.

Okay, I read it. I stand corrected. The difference is that yours isn't a smart charger, and is only designed for lead-acid batteries.

Smart chargers don't differentiate between different batteries of the same construction... could be that they process 'feedback' from the battery itself as it's charging and tailor output accordingly? Not sure. In any event, portable smart chargers are cheap, will handle all battery types, and usually have a 'desulfate' mode that can be used occasionally to prolong lead-acid battery life.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Recommend a charger?

Your right, Smart chargers are a leap ahead of mine. At some point when I switch to AGM batteries I will need to get one too.

 

[Mike in Tac]

Re: Recommend a charger?

Thanks a bunch for all the tips - this will narrow my search a little bit! MIT

 

[cjjjdeck]

Re: Recommend a charger?

Many boaters with trolling motors have bit the bullet on AGM batteries and have never looked back, I would fall into this category. If you ever think you might make the leap even sometime in the future, then now might be the right time to seriously consider the smart chargers since the good ones work with any combination of battery types. Any battery benefits from the staged charging technology.

After much research I decided to purchase an on-board charger from Dual Pro (Pro Charging Systems). I had one of these systems on my 1998 Lund and it served me so well I put one on my new boat. They make a variety of chargers with a good range of prices. Most models are waterproof and I also really appreciate that they are made in the USA (Tennessee). Their customer support is second to none.

My second choice was Minn Kota. They also have great products and customer service.

Here's their links for your review:

Pro Charging Systems

Battery Chargers ? Precision On-Board Chargers

Hope this helps.

Good luck in your decision!