[C320-list] Battery charger selection

[Ronniew326 at aol.com]

This thread on battery chargers is timely for me in as much as my original  
Pro Mariner (14 years old now) is starting to make odd noises and is likely 
 on it's last legs.  I researched the 40 amp Xantrex on line at several  
vendors last week and the Hodgesmarine price, especially with the remote and  
battery temp device that comes with it, is a very good deal.
A few questions however:  (1) Is Hodges a reputable dealer as far  as we 
know (I hate putting my credit card info out on a site I'm not familiar  
with)?  (2) Is it better to go with the 40 amp than the 20? (I'm plugged  into 
shore power all the time except when out sailing). and (3), how difficult  
should I expect it to be to install the unit, the remote and the battery temp.  
sensor?  Any feedback on this subject will be greatly  appreciated.
 
Ronnie Williams
C-320 # 326  
 
 
In a message dated 11/23/2010 1:12:55 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
kirk.mccullough at telus.net writes:

Hey  Warren, you are going to love the Xantrex. I installed the 20 Amp  
model
about 3 years ago and it's so much better than the Newmar HDM 50. I  don't
think you'll get much for yours, mine is sitting in my garage, I'll  
probably
recycle it soon. 

You got a great price on that 40 Amp  Xantrex too, as I recall I paid that
much for the 20  amp.

Kirk
Boomerang #124 Perkins

-----Original  Message-----
From:  c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com]  On Behalf Of Warren Updike
Sent: 21 November 2010 05:01
To:  C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Battery charger  selection

I've finally done it.  I chose a new charger.  My  choice was for the 
Xantrex
TrueCharge 2 40A which I bought from  Hodgesmarine.com for $285, delivered.
This is a promotion package running  through Dec 10, that includes a remote
panel and temp probe.  Such a  deal.



My first choice would have been the Newmar PT charger  that was highly rated
by PS.  At more than twice the price of the  Xantrex, it is out of my range
especially since I have to get also two new  batteries.



The other charger I considered is the IOTA  Engineering DLS series.  At $161
(ebay) it is a serious  contender.  Specs are strong when compared with the
TrueCharge  2.  Drawbacks are: not UL Marine Rated (but is sealed and
protected  from moisture;) doesn't offer an external temp probe (my 
batteries
are in a  compartment separate from the batteries;) and, it doesn't offer
separate  settings for wet/get/agm batteries (I hope my next set will be
AGM.)   IOTA was quick to respond to my inquiry and impressed me as a 
company
with  good engineering and support.



So, now I have a Newmar HDM-50  for sale.  This is a ferro-resonant, 50A
charger (see manual  (www.newmarpower.com/pdf/Manual-HDM.pdf)  It is not a
three-stage  "Smart" charger; but provides bulk and absorption stages.  
There
is  nothing wrong with it.  It works well.  Probably not the best unit  for 
a
live-aboard or if you leave a refer on all the time.  However,  for a fast
recharge at the dock, it is a great unit.  I'd like to get  $100 for it; 
but,
for this list a best offer will do it.  



Warren & Pattie Updike

1994 C320 #62 "Warr de  Mar"