battery charger recommendation

[Buddy_Y]

I need to buy a new battery charger, and I was looking for opinions on a couple candidates (or better alternatives).

The background: I'm in the midst of putting back together a C&C 30 mk i (1973) that has been sitting in a warehouse for 13 years. Its electrical system needs to be completely replaced (ancient untinned wire, missing batteries/charger, 1970s era house fuse boxes etc). I've rewired two older boats in the past, so I know the basics. This one will have a very simple starter battery / wet cell house battery combo for now, and maybe another house battery later. Given that it is in Ontario, I don't foresee adding solar power, wind generators, etc. For the foreseeable future, it's just going to be primarily a weekender boat.

Based on some online reviews, I was considering the NOCO Genius G4. I was a bit put off by the fact that it's listed as requiring AA batteries. So, I'm considering its newer brother, the NOCO GENIUS2X4.

But first, I thought I'd run this brand past the group, to see if anyone: a) Could see pitfalls of these candidates; b) Had a better candidate in mind.

Thanks!

[skipmac]

I cannot figure out for the life of me why a battery charger would be designed to require a couple of AA batteries to work. Plus it only puts out 4.4 amps???? 100% non starter.

Why don't you just buy and actual marine grade battery charger? For the same money you can get one with a lot more output. Look at Victron, Mastervolt or similar for top of the line. Check Defender.com for a wide range of options.

Also, if the wiring isn't corroded or the insulation shot why replace it? The majority of the wiring in my 1984 Pearson is the original, untinned factory wiring and have had to replace very little of it.

[smac999]

why are you buying 4 bank battery chargers when the boat has 2 banks?

I've had good luck with the promariner pronautic. get a min 30-40a. those 2a things are not chargers. they are maintainers. that won't even keep a fridge running let alone charge batteries.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by smac999

why are you buying 4 bank battery chargers when the boat has 2 banks?

I've had good luck with the promariner pronautic. get a min 30-40a. those 2a things are not chargers. they are maintainers. that won't even keep a fridge running let alone charge batteries.

I have this Promariner on my little motor boat and very happy with it. Charges two banks, 20 amps and is waterproof.
https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=6784624

[Buddy_Y]

Sounds like good advice, guys. Thanks! I'll round up some reviews on those chargers.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Buddy_Y

Sounds like good advice, guys. Thanks! I'll round up some reviews on those chargers.

By the way, congratulations on the C&C 30. Nice boats. Many years ago I was a yacht broker and one of my first sales was a C&C 30.

And going forward with your project this is a great place to get information. I've owned a dozen boats over 40 years and learn something new here every week.

[pcmm]

If you're going lead/acid get a Pronautic (or sterling) charger. Stay away from Xantrex truecharge+ they have a bad rep for reliability (but their prices are tempting)

You want a 20amp charge. That Noco is just 4.4amps which will take a long time to charge.

[CarlF]

Add Victron to your list. Packed with features missing from most others. The majority of newer boats over 40ft now use the Victron inverter chargers but their small chargers are great too. Best of all they come with a 5 year warranty. Beats everyone else.

Here's a 30 amp with three outputs. It even links to your phone by bluetooth where you can use their free app to see what's going on and to adjust settings.

https://shop.pkys.com/ip22-charger-12-30-3

Are you going to put in an inverter? If so, consider doing it right with this Victron Inverter/Charger. It makes rewiring your boat much easier since everything connects to the one unit. Big enough to run a microwave. Very fast multi-stage battery charge with temperature compensation that that will maximize the life of your batteries.

https://shop.pkys.com/Victron-Energy...us_p_2554.html

[Whatta Life]

Pronautic is a great charger. Every battery manufacture out there recommends a temperature compensated charger. Pronautic/sterling are one of the few that can. They also work with lithium.