Battery Charger recommendation...

[geoffr]

I'm will be replacing our battery bank before next year. Current bank is 6xT-105s for a total of 675 AHr at 12V. The new bank will be the same (T-105s) or larger a 780 AHr (T-145).

I currently have an inverter and a tiny charger (~20A) so am looking for a larger charger. Shore power is 30A (normally 120V).

What would you recommend?

I'm leaning towards the Xantrex Truecharge 2 (60A) as it has world voltage and if I feel it's needed I could add a second one later. We aren't at a dock often, but when we are it's usually for at least a couple of days to weeks.

thanks!

[Pitchondesign]

I have two Truecharge 2 60a in parallel for a 800ah bank. Works fine so far.

[a64pilot]

Sterling Pro Charge Ultra, or a good inverter / charger

[geoffr]

a64pilot - thanks looks like a good option.

[boatpoker]

Buy a Xantrex TrueCharge
That way you can get a new one every three months.

[john61ct]

ProMariner Pronautic P, same guts as the Sterling.

Go over 100A, or really even better, as much as you're willing to spend. They can be derated if needed, but between that and custom programmability you'd be future-proof for other high-CAR chemistries.

[MarkSF]

I previously had a Truecharge 2, and when it died switched to a ProNautic. Lots of problems with the Truecharge. The ProNautic just works. It's obviously simply a much better quality product.

[Kenomac]

We're very pleased with our two Mastervolt chargers.

[Stu Jackson]

Wiring a new charger From Maine Sail:

http://forums.sailboatowners.com/ind...5/#post-880275 and

Installing A Marine Battery Charger Photo Gallery by Compass Marine How To at pbase.com

[sainted]

I like inverter/chargers. You get both functionalities in one piece of kit, which saves space on a sailboat where spare room is hard to come by.

You'll need at least a 100 amp charger. Once you get into that range, and inverter/charger is also pretty cost effective. You'd have to buy a couple of ProCharge units to get to 100 amps. A Magnum 2000 watt inverter with 100 amp charging capability is about $1700.

Inverter/chargers also simplify wiring a bit. I like the Magnum ones. One of their nice features two AC inputs, one for the charger and one for AC pass thru to loads. That way you aren't limited to 30 amps input to the charger. When your batteries are deeply discharged, the charger can eat up almost 30 amps by itself, leaving very little for down stream appliances (not that you should have any high amp appliances being fed by an inverter).

Scott
Marine electrician