Victron centaur chargers

[oceanjake]

I have a single 12v 8d battery to supply a 12v breaker that powers bridge electronics, a cockpit stereo, and cockpit gunnel disco lights. I am unhappy with the old style sentry charger that manages this battery and my generator starting batteries because as it surges the lights dim a bit. I think it’s probably not great for my electronics either. I see several victron centaur chargers available reasonably and would like to hear some thoughts on them. Does anyone have experience and know if they are variable or a cycling type charger like the sentry? Alternatively, are there better options for chargers in the 30-40amp range that can monitor three banks? Thanks.

[MagnaBill]

I have a single 12v 8d battery to supply a 12v breaker that powers bridge electronics, a cockpit stereo, and cockpit gunnel disco lights. I am unhappy with the old style sentry charger that manages this battery and my generator starting batteries because as it surges the lights dim a bit. I think it’s probably not great for my electronics either. I see several victron centaur chargers available reasonably and would like to hear some thoughts on them. Does anyone have experience and know if they are variable or a cycling type charger like the sentry? Alternatively, are there better options for chargers in the 30-40amp range that can monitor three banks? Thanks.

In my opinion they are as dumb as a brick. No temperature sensing feature, move on from that. Get something a little smarter. I had one BOIL my agm's 2 years ago - a Centaur 100amp 24volt unit on an eight 12v 120ah bank in series/parallel.

I like Victron gear - it's great. I changed to the multiplus inverter charger with temp sensor and it's great. The Victron Phoenix (charger only) is good (with temp sensor).

[Boatsb]

The centaur is older and not as smart technology. I've not had one boil out batteries but I'd rather use a skylla ip44 for many reasons.

The victron line has centaur for the price sensitive customers. Not to say they don't work but the newer technologies in the skylla blow it away.

If you want to pm me I can help. Im a victron distributor ( yes distributor not just dealer) and know the product.

Other members have recently purchased skylla chargers from me and can tell you how well they work.

FYI the charger will take any a.c. voltage from 90 to 240 volt A.C.. 50 or 60 Hz.

Look at the optional control panel and standard nmea2000 interface too

[Mike36c]

90 volts? Must have been designed for Bahamian use

[34Hatt]

90 volts? Must have been designed for Bahamian use

Thats Funny LOL

Too bad it can be true


Oh and What Scott Said !

[GJH]

I have a single 12v 8d battery to supply a 12v breaker that powers bridge electronics, a cockpit stereo, and cockpit gunnel disco lights. I am unhappy with the old style sentry charger that manages this battery and my generator starting batteries because as it surges the lights dim a bit. I think it’s probably not great for my electronics either. I see several victron centaur chargers available reasonably and would like to hear some thoughts on them. Does anyone have experience and know if they are variable or a cycling type charger like the sentry? Alternatively, are there better options for chargers in the 30-40amp range that can monitor three banks? Thanks.

As of three years ago. The Sentrys used to be quite serviceable, I am not sure if that is still true. Most certified Cruiseair techs also service them. You might call around and see. I was down on my Sentry charger as well, until I had a good tech check it out. Did a great job after that. If I had to buy a new charger, I'd rather go with an American made brand like NewMar myself.

[oceanjake]

The sentry is old, and after some research it appears that it’s normal for them to cycle as soon as a draw is put on the battery. This particular charger only services the group 31 generator batteries which never really need a charge and one 8d that was added to supply bridge electronics and I believe stabilizers. The other sentry charger in the boat was replaced with a new sentry that is variable but $$$$. I don’t see temp sensors on it either. Where do temp sensors affix? External to the plastic battery case?

[Boatsb]

PM sent