On-board battery chargers

[Jeffro-Picaso]

O.k. guys, Here's one for ya. I know you have probably been asked this before, What is the best on-board battery charger out there right know? I have read several reviews and most of them are mixed reviews good and bad. I need to replace the one in my boat now cause it has a leg that must not be converting ac to dc and burnin my battery up. Tell me what ya think, I know some of you has more experience out there...beings I'm just a young whipper snapper.:cheers: By the way 3 bank charger.

[Bullet20dc]

there's gonna be a chevy vs ford thang on this one. My pref is the CSI (dual pro)
I have the 3 bank and have installed quite a few of them. Not one problem ever.
The folks at CSI are top notch.

[boater777777]

I have never seen anyone with an onboard carger that has not had problems at lets once. For the price and headaches I am just useing a old reliable battery charger.Does not add weight to the boat and does not get all jared around. I am searching for a charger that will charge 2 batteries at once I saw one somewhere and can't find it again.

[Island Breeze]

Dual pro is the way to go.

[Bullet20dc]

I have never seen anyone with an onboard carger that has not had problems at lets once.


nope never have had a problem been using dual pro's in all my rigs since 93 NEVER ONCE HAD A FAILURE. I did however when switching to the optimas before they were popular, they had to tweek the charge rate for them but sent me one that was done already before I sent the one I had back. FREE and return postage even the box was paid for. Installed A LOT OF THEM not one has come back with a problem

[RedAllison]

My XB21 came with the Stealth "Run n Charge" system and lemme tell ya, it's da cats ace. :cheers: It's a small, two piece unit (each about the size of a small book) and the system puts the juice too the main crankin battery until it's hot. Then once it's full it switches over and charges the trollin batteries. I have a digital gage in the footwell of my troller recess on the bow and it shows you the constant state of charge on the trollin batteries. One advantage too todays whizmo outboards is their large charging systems/alternators. Tho I might plug up at night on an extended, multi-day fishing trip it's nice not having to worry about it if I really don't or can't after a day or two of fishing.

One of the neatest gizmos to come down the pike in years IMHO,
RA

[Nightmare]

My luck has been with the Guest units. Have had 2 over the course of the past 15 years. Both 3 bank units. First had 1 bank go away on me about 5 years into it. Contacted them about a fix (not under warranty) and they advised being a potted unit, they weren't made to open up and work on. However, they did give me a hefty discount on a larger capacity unit. They didn't have to do it but I thought it was a nice bit of customer service. Been going on 10 years now.

I don't know about the Chevy v Ford thing on this topic, which would include bashing the other products which the person may or may not know a thing about. Just factual personal experiences, good or bad. That's what I like. :)

[Jeffro-Picaso]

I agree on the Ford vs Chevy thing cause personally I am a Dodge man....I love my Hemi. You guys have probably had boats longer then me and I have had my bass boat for 5 years now. The charger went out on me about three months ago and I have been pulling batteries and them things get heavy pulling and putting back in versus just plugging in a cord. I appreiciate the advise and will consider each and everyones advise. keep'em coming....Just stay away from the truck thang:D:D:D

[Bullet20dc]

by chevy vs ford I meant that everyone will have their own prefernce, not bashing anything or meant to. I have a Dodge hemi 3/4 ton also. :)

[Jeffro-Picaso]

I gotcha on that Bullet...just a little humor kicked out there. LOL