Battery Chargers

[Paul Gwiz]

I need some of your expert advice . I need to install a new charging system / inverter ? We have two battery banks . The charger that was there seems to have been borrowed / sold by the PO . I would like a quiet unit & something that would be appropriate on a Hatteras. Any recommendations will be appreciated....

Thanks, Paul Gwiz

 

[bobk]

My son and I both found the folks at Marysville Inverter to be very knowledgeable and helpful. They also had the best prices 5-8 years ago.

Bobk

 

[jim rosenthal]

We have good reports on Magnum, Outback, to name two. Xantrex reports vary- some people like them, and some find that the service backup is awful. (me included) Other good makes seems to be Charles Marine, ProMariner. Your selection will be smaller if you want an inverter/charger, which is a good way to go if you anchor out and you have the batteries to support it.

Folks I know who install these for a living mention Magnum inverters and Outback, and Charles chargers.

 

[chris piazza]

I will cast my vote for the Outback inverter/charger. Installed one two years ago and has ran perfect, true sine wave AC output and DC charging that can be fine tuned and monitored. A little pricey for the 3200 watt (all on around 3k) but well worth it


Chris
Superior Nights 53c

 

[GJH]

I need some of your expert advice . I need to install a new charging system / inverter ? We have two battery banks . The charger that was there seems to have been borrowed / sold by the PO . I would like a quiet unit & something that would be appropriate on a Hatteras. Any recommendations will be appreciated....

Thanks, Paul Gwiz

What's your battery voltage and configuration? What would you use the inverter for? If you are leaning in the inverter direction, buy a copy of Nigel Calder's "Boat Owners Mechanical and Electrical Manual" (heck every boat should hve it even if you aren't getting an inverter). It will help you understand batteries, charging, inverters, and installation. Then you can be better equipped to come here for equipment recs.

 

[bostonhatteras]

I have two independent units. They charge four 8 D flooded batteries. The first unit is Xantrex TC 40+ charger. It is a good unit and capable of charging all four batteries that once. The inverter/charger is another Xantrex unit. That is an MS 2000. It's not made any more under that model name but it's internal parts have been appropriated to different models. It puts out 2000 W and charges the batteries at 100 A. I know a lot of people have their misgivings about this company but these two products have been foolproof so far. They're both installed well with appropriate heavy cables. The inverter/charger does the lion share of the work. I only use this simple charger during the winter when the inverter is completely shut down. Good luck in your decision choosing a product. Let us know what you have purchased.

 

[Kim Beatley]

I just installed last summer, a ProNautic Smart charger. I removed the inverter as I run the generator while I have the boat out, and am hooked up to shore power. You can purchase a wide range of amperage outputs and the unit will charge 3 independent battery banks. It is a smart charger and monitors the battery loads and applies charge as needed. Seems to work well. If I remember right, it cost around $550 plus another $400 for wire, connectors and fuses. I installed my self, was pretty easy.

My only issue was the wire size you had to install with the unit. Cost a small fortune.

 

[fissioneng]

What's your battery voltage and configuration? What would you use the inverter for? If you are leaning in the inverter direction, buy a copy of Nigel Calder's "Boat Owners Mechanical and Electrical Manual" (heck every boat should hve it even if you aren't getting an inverter). It will help you understand batteries, charging, inverters, and installation. Then you can be better equipped to come here for equipment recs.

I agree with George. If you need a 32 volt charger, your choices are more limited.

I believe Hatteras uses Mastervolt 24 volt systems now. When I replace my charger, it will probably be a Victron.

Most high amperage chargers have fans which can be a little noisy.