On Board Chargers - update

[WaterDog]

Anyone have one of these on their boat? How do you like it?

I'm thinking if I had one I could just plug it in and it would keep the batteries topped off.

If I leave it plugged in, are these chargers "smart" enough to know that it needs to power down? Reason I ask is that on my camper the convertor will go into storage mode then only charge for 15 minutes a day and it will NOT boil off the water. Do the Guest type chargers do this?

:shrug:

[tomictime]

I have a Newmar w three stage w float. Not sure on the brand you mention - they seem to have great waterproofing. But yes it's really handy to have charger hooked up to shorepower. I have 3 elec riggers and an elec shrimp hauler and other electronics so the T-8 can have a hard time keeping up. I do have three batts: starting and 2 x deep cycles w isolator too...call me paranoid...

they also make some special cords/inlets that do not require shorepower so you can use extension cord, etc..Those are handy for smaller boats. Peruse the Westie catalog for details.

Boat shows coming up will be good place to talk w mfrs about lead acid chargers and float capability.

[jimh]

I've got one. Seems to work well. Yes, I think the normal ones are smart chargers. Of course, they should be since they are way more spendy than a normal charger! :smile:

[WaterDog]

Ended up getting a Guest 2610A and installed it the boat last night. No more setting up the charger a couple of days before I head out and remembering to move it to the other battery. Just plug it in and forget about it.

check that little project off the list. :grin: