Battery charger update

[brettportzer]

I have the old Sentry 1240 charger in my boat, and it overcharges my batteries, so, I just run it manually for a few hours every now and again, and I have kept an eye on the voltages and have an idea of when I need to do that, etc...

I have a 43DC with 6-71s, and fairly minimal DC needs at this point, and I'd like to replace the Sentry with something fairly simple that does the same thing that the Sentry does.

It looks like a Mastervolt Chargemaster or a Victron Centaur would fit the bill for this, but it seems the usual recommendation is the Victron Skylla set up.

That would be fine too, and I don't really know the difference, other than that there is is more opportunity to monitor things with the fancier units.

Just curious what people think about that, I am not sure that I need too much besides a basic charger and then a charge state meter?

Trying to keep it basic at this point. I am fine with dealing with technology in general, I am just not convinced this is an area where I currently really need it?

 

[Cricket]

Might want to take a look at the Dolphin chargers. We replaced our 20 year old 24volt electronic Cruisair/Sentry charger last year with a Dolphin pro series, they are the same people that made the units for Sentry. Btw, the old charger still worked but the board that ran the status LED's had given up so we just decided it was time for new.

 

[Captain Ralph]

As long as the amperage is enough to charge the batteries and offer extra power for the house, the smaller MasterVolt and Victron chargers are fine.
Just don't under skimp on the amperage from the charger and power cable lead size.

We used to sell and install both brands.

The larger units may put out more amps, have a more refined charging profile and offer remote control. They may also take up more real-estate and require some thought on ventilation.
It comes down to how fancy you want to be.

 

[brettportzer]

One of the considerations is that the Sentry charger is tall, and so the Mastervolt and Centaur are both tall, while the Skylla is wide and I am not sure it will fit in the same spot.

I think my choices are:

Mastervolt ChargeMaster Plus 12/75 3 output
https://citimarinestore.com/en/mast...emaster-plus-1275-3-mastervolt-44310750.html#

(Updated version of this charger is this: https://citimarinestore.com/en/mast...r-plus-12-75-3-czone-mastervolt-44310755.html)

Victron Centaur 12/60 3 output
https://citimarinestore.com/en/vict...dc-60amp-3-bank-120-240-vac-cch012060000.html

Victron Skylla-IP65 12/70 3 output
https://citimarinestore.com/en/vict...-120-240vac-battery-charger-sky012070100.html

 

[Boatsb]

The skylla is far better than the others

 

[Captain Ralph]

In a tight area, the MasterVolt may be easier to access the connects.

 

[Jammin']

If it's worth doing, it's worth going overboard!