Battery smart gauge and charger

[Jo Green]

Hi,

 

I have recently moved from the towpath into a marina. Now that I have shore power I'd like to get a battery charger so the batteries are permanently topped up through the winter as my lights and pumps are all 12v.

 

I have two AGM leisure batteries with a combined total of 400amp hours and one starter battery. I don't want to spend a fortune but want something with a good reputation- reliable and long lasting.

 

Any advice appreciated.

 

Thanks

Jo

[rusty69]

Victron or Mastervolt are both good makes

[nicknorman]

Although personally I don't much care for Sterling products, the Sterling Pro Charge Ultra seems a popular and relatively cheap choice. With your setup and permanent shore power I'd go for a 20A one. You might get away with a 10A one depending on your usage.

 

Alternatively if you are on a really tight budget you could consider a Numax marine 10A charger. Cheap and cheerful!

[GUMPY]

I have used chargers and inverters from portable power tech for a while now

Had their 30a charger on my barge, https://www.portablepowertech.com/product/premium-30a-12v-battery-charger/

excellent piece if kit.

They do a 15a one

https://www.portablepowertech.com/product/premium-15a-12v-battery-charger/

[bottle]

As above but whichever one you go for just ensure it is at least a three stage charger and has a setting for AGM's.

 

ps

 

if charger is ON and your 12v load is less than its output, the charger will 'run' the equipment, any excess will go to the batteries if they need it.

If load is higher than its output the batteries will assist, when load reduces the batteries will be re-charged but you knew that.

 

I have a bias for Victron

[tonyt40]

I bought one of these and so far it seems fine. It was brand new in a sealed box when it arrived not ex demo as advertised. It has three outputs and will charge up to 600ah battery banks. Its from Midland Chandeliers

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waeco-Perfectcharge-12-Volt-50-Amp-Battery-Charger-MCA1250-Narrowboat-Caravan-/282150302950?hash=item41b177f4e6:g:FN4AAOSw8d9U0Ks0

[ditchcrawler]

Why the need for such big chargers if on the mains 24/7 anything over 6 amps should more than do the job. Lets face it how many Ah do most boats use in a day ? if its 150 Ah that is an average current of just 6.25 Amps

[Murflynn]

I use this and it has performed reliably for several months.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Connect-Forget-Leisure-Battery-Charger/dp/B00MX0FO9M

[Jo Green]

http://www.sunstore.co.uk/12v-Victron-Battery-Charger-7amp-10amp-15amp.html

 

I can't see anything about an AGM setting for this. Would it be appropriate?

 

Thanks

[WotEver]

http://www.sunstore.co.uk/12v-Victron-Battery-Charger-7amp-10amp-15amp.html

 

I can't see anything about an AGM setting for this. Would it be appropriate?

 

Thanks

It charges at 14.4V so should be ok. Check your battery specs.

 

Tony

[David Mack]

And if you are going to be permanently plugged into shore power, get yourself a galvanic isolator or isolation transformer to stop your hull being eaten.