[C320-list] Battery charger

[Warren Updike]

We bought the Xantrex 40A charger to replace an 18 yr old two-stage feroresonent charger and have been very happy with it. However, we did experience an early failure in that one of the cable connection studs pulled out. Xantrex support was helpful and replaced the unit.  Unfortunately, out slip mate also had an early electronic problem and the unit was replaced.  We got a super deal from Hodges Marine on the charger with remote display so I didn't have to pay nearly twice the price for a competitive model.

The best part is that with the old charger I was constantly checking and adding water and batteries were never fully charged - a constant worry.  With the Xantrex, I hardly ever add water, the batteries will charge fully, and show no signs of wearing down.  I'm sure the same result would be achieved with most 3-stage, digital chargers.  Before, I was considering an expensive battery watering system.  Now, don't need it.  No worries.  

Here is a point if you are changing chargers and upping output say from 20A to 40A, and you have fuses in the charge cable to the batteries, be sure to replace the fuses with a larger appropriate fuse or they will blow.

I also recommend a battery monitor.  They are like a fuel gage for your batteries in that they measure all current in and out and display a percent full.  

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"

-----Original Message-----
From: katchu at chartermi.net [mailto:katchu at chartermi.net] 
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 2:55 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Battery charger

My Charles battery charger appears to have died again.  It was on the boat when I bought it seven years ago, and I had Charles recondition it for $85 about three years ago when it died.  I recall that many of you switched to Xantrex and were really happy.  But the reviews in the WM website are very bad with multiple early failures.  Has anyone had any recent experience, good or bad?

Thanks

Chuck Mueller

Northwind #676

Holland, MI