Charging golf cart batteries hooked up in series

[john61ct]

Yes multiple chargers in parallel is fine. Best if they're matched voltages and algorithms.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by wcapman

I respectfully disagree with connecting all batteries in parallel. I am assuming that you mean both banks of GC2 batteries, that is 2 sets in series and paralleling those two banks.

Not getting into optimizing P/S config, just that one big House bank, acting as one big battery, is always better to service loads than splitting. See Peukert's Law, best for ongoing efficiency **and** longevity.

Your boat your call, but understand it's not optimal.

Direct from Maine Sail:

> Shallower discharges lead to longer bank life and with a bigger bank you'll be drawing it down less as a % of discharge and the bank will last longer. Not only that you can actually get more Ah's out of a larger bank when compared with the same load than you can on a smaller bank due to Peukert effect.

From Gibbo, inventor of SmartGauge:

http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/splitting.html

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by slowpoker

What if the original poster guy that is wondering what to do with his existing charger and worried about buying an expensive, bigger charger; just gets another 20 Amp or 30 Amp charger and uses both chargers at the same time to charge the same bank of batteries?
Meaning charging with the original 20 Amps which is already installed and all, plus put another 20 Amps from a newer, different charger to pump additional Amps, both at the same time? Then he would basically have about 40 Amps charging and if the old one quits, he still has some way to charge his batteries.
Just an idea to beat around the forum for opinions.

Since the battery charger can only be used when the boat is parked in a marina, is time or speed important when it is charging? probably not as the owner isn't gong to be on board, so even a smaller charger will work over a period of a few days.

By using the alternator whilst moving at sea or along with the solar hopefully the batteries won't drop low enough to worry, lets say 50%. But at this point once the battery monitor is installed they only real way of checking is to try it, rather than throw lots of money at something which may not be requred. that 260w solar panel is going to hopefully kick out some useful amps each day.

[Sunsetrider]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Since the battery charger can only be used when the boat is parked in a marina, is time or speed important when it is charging? probably not as the owner isn't gong to be on board, so even a smaller charger will work over a period of a few days.

This is what I am getting at. As things stand right now my charger is plugged in for 5 days (weekdays) before using the boat. In such a case, why does the size of the charger matter? Or does it. aside from charging time?

[john61ct]

Many use a big-amp charger to reduce genny runtime, but that does require high-CAR chemistry.

Right-sized high amp charging is important for bank longevity with quality AGMs.

Cheap FLAs, not so much except when equalizing, usually monthly.

[softdown]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Many use a big-amp charger to reduce genny runtime, but that does require high-CAR chemistry.

Right-sized high amp charging is important for bank longevity with quality AGMs.

Cheap FLAs, not so much except when equalizing, usually monthly.

RU being charged $1/word? "Cheap FLAs, not so much except when equalizing, usually monthly."

[ArmyDaveNY]

Originally Posted by Sunsetrider

Anyone else - feel free to jump in with more humour.

Does this help?

Abbott & Costello - Who Done It - Watts Are Volts - Video Dailymotion

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by softdown

RU being charged $1/word?

Really, is that hard to understand? Here is a wordier translation:

Unlike AGM, cheap FLAs do not require high-current charging to maximize longevity. However it is helpful when equalizing, which is usually recommended to be done monthly, following the protocol laid out by the manufacturer.

Does that help? Same information, but cost an extra $25

[softdown]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Really, is that hard to understand? Here is a wordier translation:

Unlike AGM, cheap FLAs do not require high-current charging to maximize longevity. However it is helpful when equalizing, which is usually recommended to be done monthly, following the protocol laid out by the manufacturer.

Does that help? Same information, but cost an extra $25

Being smarmy is more appropriate when you actually know what you are talking about. I have about 4 tons of batteries here....being a solar buyer/seller.

[Sunsetrider]

Originally Posted by ArmyDaveNY

Does this help?

Abbott & Costello - Who Done It - Watts Are Volts - Video Dailymotion

That could be me in that skit!

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by softdown

Being smarmy is more appropriate when you actually know what you are talking about. I have about 4 tons of batteries here....being a solar buyer/seller.

So what's the word for sarcastically nit-picking posters' syntax?

I know you are "weary" of it, but I welcome any substantive criticism if you disagree with an opinion, even more so if I've posted erroneous facts.

That would actually be constructive!

[softdown]

Originally Posted by john61ct

So what's the word for sarcastically nit-picking posters' syntax?

I know you are "weary" of it, but I welcome any substantive criticism if you disagree with an opinion, even more so if I've posted erroneous facts.

That would actually be constructive!

We need to arm wrestle for the CF cantankerous award.

[Zil]

The good answer is to get a quality 3 stage marine charger. Such as Sterling or Promariner. The amp output is secondary as the charger just has to be on for more hours. We really only have to return the power drained from the batteries plus the premium. I have 6 EGC2 batteries as 12 volts. I have a 40 amp charger. I charge every two or three days. Taking care of my fridge and vent fan. I use my 2000i generator and I am restored with one tank of fuel. Higher amp charger would be a larger generator.

[john61ct]

Fine for FLA, but if that were an AGM bank I'd say 100A for its longevity.

Those quality chargers let you de-rate current output to match your genny, if one wants to buy a big one for future-proofing, or quicker pit stops for shore charging.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by Zil

The good answer is to get a quality 3 stage marine charger. Such as Sterling or Promariner. The amp output is secondary as the charger just has to be on for more hours. We really only have to return the power drained from the batteries plus the premium. I have 6 EGC2 batteries as 12 volts. I have a 40 amp charger. I charge every two or three days. Taking care of my fridge and vent fan. I use my 2000i generator and I am restored with one tank of fuel. Higher amp charger would be a larger generator.

Your 2000i will run at least a 80 amp charger.