Battery charger upgrade on 3 bank battery system

[newbie-]

Nothing fancy. It's a 46' 1989 bayliner.

Only 3 batteries at the moment. I don't think I'll expand on the banks until I can justify the cost of upgrade to Lithium. But that also means I don't have much in reserves.

If the charger doesn't keep up I'll drain pretty quick. So high output is key for now.

[bcboomer]

Interesting. 1st time I've seen a headsail furler on a Bayliner
(Maybe you need a new avatar)

I went to Fireflys when they 1st came out but now I think you can do lithium for not a lot more.

Either way major changes to the alternator charging system because the Fireflys like to be charged at a high rate.

[newbie-]

Originally Posted by bcboomer

Interesting. 1st time I've seen a headsail furler on a Bayliner
(Maybe you need a new avatar)

I went to Fireflys when they 1st came out but now I think you can do lithium for not a lot more.

Either way major changes to the alternator charging system because the Fireflys like to be charged at a high rate.

I have both. That's my Catalina 30 which I love to sail when I can sail. When I can't sail I take out the starship enterprise and warp drive.

They're both my learning platforms until I can budget something blue water.

The nice thing about lithium is you can invest early and just take it with you to the next boat. It also holds fantastic resale value. So there's not much risk to buying in but with all the new battery advancements coming I'm on the fence...

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by newbie-

Thanks. Researching all the suggestions.

I'm a little surprised the solution isn't more obvious and clear cut. I'm guessing the vast majority of all of us here have at least two banks of batteries. House and engine start. I'd almost expect for every charger to at least support these two.

My understanding of your OP is that you already OWN this new charger. My concept of answering your question is: how can you make use of it?


If you agree, I've explained how you "do" a house and start bank: switches (manual) or automatic (VSRs). Third for the gen I personally don't know, but shoot, a switch'd work.



Your choice to separate the wheat from the chaff of buying something else.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by newbie-

I've thought about eliminating the genset battery. It would get shed some weight too. But it's nice to have the genset start and charge everything if both house and engine got drained somehow. I.E. Someone forgot to shut off the crossover.

Unless you have an absolutely perfect memory and never, ever make a mistake the manual switch to isolate the house and engine starting batteries will sooner or later leave you dead in the water. Been there, done that.

It is very, very easy to eliminate that and make the system completely fool (and idiot) proof.

Run all charging sources to the house battery. That means the engine alternator, shore powered battery charger (you only need a one bank charger), solar if you have it, etc. Then buy one of the very reliable and inexpensive automatic battery combiners. I have the one made by Yandina but most of the marine electronic companies make a version.

Hook the auto combiner between the house and start batteries. Then anytime the house battery is being charged from any source, the auto combiner also sends charge to the engine starting battery. When you turn off the engine or disconnect the shore power the staring battery is automatically disconnected from the house battery so will be charged and have no risk of being discharged nor does anyone have to remember to turn the switch.

[Nord Sal]

My Victron Phoenix charger has output for three battery banks, 50 amps for bank 1 and bank 2 and a 2 amp "trickle charge" for a starting battery.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by newbie-

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I also picked up a new Magnum charger for a great price........................
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Is there a way to use the single bank Magnum charger? ................................
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I'd be really interested in what you guys recommend for a 3 bank solution.

Why would anyone recommend getting something else, when this was his question?


No, he doesn't need to start over.