Looking to put an onboard battery charger

[ers906]

Looking for a bit of help.
I am thinking about putting an onboard battery charger to charge the bank on my 2002 SAN. I have a 24 starting battery and 2 27s for accessory bank. I bring the boat back home in between each visit, so it charges in my garage.
Also, where would the best place to mount the charger be?
Thanks in advance

[wake_fun]

I put my onboard charger to the right side of the drivers seat mounted to the floor. When I put the boat in the garage I reach over, grab the cord, and plug it in. Works perfect! I used a Minn Kota charger HERE

[TexanC3]

I use a battery tender that I put under the rear cushion... just plug it in after each use
http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender.../dp/B000CITKCE

[ers906]

Those minikota chargers look exactly like what I am looking for. I did look at some of the promariners as well. Since my battery bank is under the portside seat in the back (right in front of the side V-drive compartment), I was thinking about mounting it just inside the V-drive area. I would probably build a facade box to protect it from the ballast sacs when they are full. I know the companies talk about how water resistant these chargers are, but in reality, could they handle a splash or two?

[Chexi]

Have you looked at the CTEKs? I'm not sure if their top line one will do a whole bank (I think it will), but a CTEK with a quick connect is what I use. I did not go with the top of the line, so I end up charging 1 battery at a time, but it's very easy to just plug it in using the quick connect (and the CTEK chargers are super small). You can get quick connects that have 3-color flashing LED's (green, yellow, red), which depending on the color give you a rough idea of your charge level just be looking at the flashing LED on the quick connect. Since I don't sit much blasting the stereo (only blast it when I'm pulling), my LED's are almost always green when I am done, but occassionally I'll get a yello on the sound system battery.

[seanxtreme3000]

sorry not a boff at this stuff. what voltage one do i need and can i use minn kota for 2 batteries, or is that what 2 banks are for LOL. Like i said these elec questions are not a strong point. but thanks to you guys ill get it DONE!

[ers906]

Dependng on the # of batteries you have and how quickly you need them charges. In a typical system, you have 12V batteries. Depending on the # you want to be able to charge determines the "banks." One battery per bank, or if they are connected (ie no perko switch) that makes up a bank. I have three batteries, my starter and two accessory batteries which are combined. I am going to use a three bank battery charger set up to ensure that they are maximally charged. Since time is typically not a huge issue, each bank will likely be charged using a 5 amp draw, so the charger will be a 3-bank 15 amp system.

[seanxtreme3000]

Thanks Man ill need a 2 bank 15 amp

sean

[CradGen2]

I use the ctek 7000 series I think, top of the line. Also I purchased a bunch of the quick connects. I have (3) 2000 Shuriken (like Kinetic, monster batteries.) and it charges them in about 8 hours. I plug them in friday night when I get to camp and by saturday morning the light is green. It is an awesome charger. I think I paid 130.00 for the ctek online.

[wake_fun]

Thanks Man ill need a 2 bank 15 amp

sean

That's what I use for my 2 battery setup. I leave it plugged in year round. The chargers know when the batteries get fully charged and then it changes to a low trickle charge automatically so you don't overcharge your batteries.

[wake_fun]

Dependng on the # of batteries you have and how quickly you need them charges. In a typical system, you have 12V batteries. Depending on the # you want to be able to charge determines the "banks." One battery per bank, or if they are connected (ie no perko switch) that makes up a bank. I have three batteries, my starter and two accessory batteries which are combined. I am going to use a three bank battery charger set up to ensure that they are maximally charged. Since time is typically not a huge issue, each bank will likely be charged using a 5 amp draw, so the charger will be a 3-bank 15 amp system.

That will work perfect.