Input On Battery Chargers

[Steve Olson]

I'm looking to replace my battery charger and am looking at the Xantrex 40a TrueCharge2 charger, which I've found new for $329. Does anyone have experience with these? Any other suggestions for this price range (not looking to spend a grand).

I'm looking to charge my 12v start battery and the four 6v's I'll soon be buying (I have two T-125's now). I haven't decided on the exact house bank batteries yet. I don't need anything too fancy. This will be for "normal" use with plenty of time at the dock to recharge.



Here it is at WestMarine and I'm concerned about the poor reviews:
XANTREX TrueCharge2 Battery Chargers at West Marine

[laika]

Hi Steve,

I got a Sterling battery charger after my Guest gave it up two years ago. I have found it to be a very quality piece of kit. Highly programmable to any variety of batts.
Marine Battery Charger - Sterling Power Pro Charge Ultra- ProCharge, PCU, Power Factor Corrected (PFC) PCU

Best,

Ryan

[Sailor Doug]

I can say nothing good about Xantrex. I bought one what a mistake. They replaced it three times before one worked. The end result is I spent over a $1,000. I had to pay out freight and ended up replacing all my batteries due to being under charged.
I ended up learning a lot on how to monitor batteries and go out of my way on telling any one how xantrex can spoil a season.

[Steve Olson]

Originally Posted by Sailor Doug

I can say nothing good about Xantrex. I bought one what a mistake.

Thank you! Any suggestions?

[Akapeterc]

I have one of these wired into my boat so far have had no problems in the 7 months. I must admit that it is in float mode most of the time due to the large bank of solar panels that I have.

[Sailor Doug]

Check the charge voltage. It should be 14.2 with 13.6 float. I thought mine worked well for six months. I began to notice my batteries going down quicker. Hydrometer confirmed charge state. I installed a digital volt meter that allowed me to easily monitor charger out put voltage. Charger was returned under warranty and the next two replacements failed. The last one works but the batteries are not so good and must now be replaced.
I paid return freight on all chargers, each return took 2-3 weeks, bought a cheap charger to last between returns, had to replace starting battery and this spring I will replace 4 year old t105 bank. This caused a lot of dock time.

[Steve Olson]

What are you using now Doug? Any suggestions?

[Sailor Doug]

I am Cheap! Still using the last Xantrex. I monitor voltage daily and carry a spare 20 amp portable (bought it when first Xantrex failed) Not that happy but this gives me full redundancy. My boat dose not sit for more than 3 days before I am back on board. I have just retired so time off boat will be now less but so will funds.
First spring project will be to replace house bank.

[Strait Shooter]

Originally Posted by laika

Hi Steve,

I got a Sterling battery charger after my Guest gave it up two years ago. I have found it to be a very quality piece of kit. Highly programmable to any variety of batts.
Marine Battery Charger - Sterling Power Pro Charge Ultra- ProCharge, PCU, Power Factor Corrected (PFC) PCU

Best,

Ryan

+1. They rock!

[Stu Jackson]

Recommendations for good battery chargers:

Wiring a new charger From Maine Sail: Marine Battery Chargers - Installation Tips & Considerations - SailboatOwners.com