Onboard Battery Charger Advice

[GoReds]

I'm in the market for an onboard battery charger.  I'm looking for a charger with two banks (trolling motor battery and starter battery).  Any advice (specifically manufacture, brand, etc.) you can give me would be greatly appreciated as I have never bought one.

[TopDog]

I recommend at least 10 amps per side. I had a Guest dual bank charger 10 amp per side that was completely waterproof (I tested this for sure ;D)

It stayed plugged in 24/7/365 when the boat was not on the water. When you spend that kind of money on one, all the manufacturers tend to be good.

[Chris W]

Professional Mariner also makes a good one that is a 3 step charger. (full, trickle, then float.) Make sure that you get one that is 3 stage charger not a liner charger a liner charger has false peaks and will not charge your batteries all the way all the time.

[Wayne P.]

Take a look at the Dual Pro models. They are very popular on bass boats. I have a 3-bank model.

[K_Mac]

Take a look at the Dual Pro models. They are very popular on bass boats. I have a 3-bank model.

x2

[Olebiker]

Take a look at the Dual Pro models. They are very popular on bass boats. I have a 3-bank model.

I have a Dual Pro that I bought directly from the company.  It was reconditioned and came with a warranty at a much better price than a new one.  It's one of the best investments I have ever made in my boat.

[Wayne P.]

Olebiker, I looked at that option when I was shopping for a charger. They didn't have any on stock at the time. I guess reliability was the "problem". I got the 10A per bank model because of its dimensions to fit the space I have.

[Long Mike]

My vote goes to Dual Pro as well.  I have had two reconditioned models on two separate boats.  Both have worked flawlessly.  I have heard that Guest makes an excellent product as well.

[flechero]

My vote goes to Dual Pro as well. I have had two reconditioned models on two separate boats. Both have worked flawlessly. I have heard that Guest makes an excellent product as well.

I also have 2 of the reconditioned units... although 1 was a warranty replacement of a "new" charger that came in my boat (painless procedure). I've been using the older one since about 1996. Still works as good as new.

I have heard that the newer technology is better for the batteries... but my current trolling motor batts are 4 years old and still running well.

Based on things I have read here, I think I'd lean towards ProMariner if I have to buy another unit.