[C320-list] Xantrex shore charger

[hcreech at comcast.net]

Kirk,
I may be the least handy person on this list, but I will share my experience with you.  I have upgraded most of the inferior systems on my boat since I bought it new in 98'.  I say inferior because they remind me of the builder components you find in new houses, just enough to get by.  Top of the list of inferior was the Pro Mariner charger, what a piece of junk.  I chose the 20 Amp Xantrex charger and could not be happier, it had to be four years ago.  Whether it is 20 or 40 Amp is probably a matter of your requirements, but 20 has worked perfectly for me.
After disconnecting the batteries, I simply cut the wires at the charger and removed the old Pro Mariner.  I then found a piece of marine plywood that was large enough and mounted it to the bulkhead where the Pro Mariner had been located.  I also purchased from West Marine a connection bank, probably not the right name, this had more than enough connections to handle the new charger.  I then mounted the new charger to the plywood, then the connection bank next to it.  Then it was simply a matter of connecting the wires that came from the batteries and the matching colored wires from the charger to the bank, this was far easier than it may sound.  Since the bank I had purchased came with no cover, could not find one, I purchased a liquid electrical spray to cover all exposed wires.  This was probably not the best solution, but actually looked better than you would think and protected all of the wires should they accidently be contacted with and metal object.  Since the location is o
ut of sight I was more concerned with function and safety than looks, but knowing this list, my choice might not work for many. 
The installation was easier than I originally thought it would be and as i remember only took about a half a day.  You did not mention which charger you are replacing but if the Pro Mariner you will be very happy regardless of whether the replacement is the 20 or 40.  The Xantrex charger is  silent and I hardly ever have to add water, I also believe it extends battery life.  I sure you will be pleased with all aspects of the installation I have described with the exception of how I handled the connection bank.  If you come up with a better solution let me know.  I won't change mine, works fine, but i like to cover myself against all the experts who will surely have a comment.

Sincerely,
Herb Creech
Cloud Chaser #606

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Kirk McCullough" <kirk.mccullough at telus.net>
> I know this has been discussed already, but I would like to know what size 
> charger is needed or best suited. I am considering the Xantrex iether 20 amp or 
> 40 amp.
> 
> Any installation tips would also be much appreciated.
> 
> Kirk
> 
> Boomerang #124