Onboard charger , Which is best ?

[fishandhunt1]

I am wondering which is a the best onboard charger for the money through either Cabelas or Bass Pro catalogs.I will be charging 2 12 volt trolling batteries and 1 starter battery at the same time. Since I am not to familiar with marine battery equipment I was hoping for some more seasoned advice.My trolling motor is a 12 volt motor. Thanks for your input in advance. Larry

[perchjerker]

One vote for the Guest Charge Pro. Have had one for years, never gave it a thought. Works perfectly.

[ebijack]

guest chargers are best IMHO

[Fred_G]

Another vote for the Guest. I have the 2631 and just plug it in and forget it. Absolutely love it.

Fred

[iamwalleye1]

Another vote for the Guest! Trouble free!

[Grampa_Joe]

I used to use Guest chargers exclusively but switched two years ago to a Motorguide Max Pro.
Here's why, they employ comparably the same charge cycles, including a float that won't overcharge, but do it with 15 amps per channel versus 10 amps per channel and the main thing is this, they turn on at 80 volts. That means that you actually get a charge when you’re the last boat in line for power at the hotel, or when you have 200’ of extension cord out on the dock at a resort in Canada.
I think we’ve all scratched our heads in the morning after charging for 8-10 hours and didn’t get a charge. That’s why, Guests and other brands turn on at 90 or 100 volts. When you have 10 other boats drawing juice, or you just have bad service to the dock in Canada, you don't get a full charge.
I've been installing them on lots of boats over the last couple years and I've never had anyone come back and tell me they had any problems.
I would stick to these two brands regardless. The other chargers won't float at the end of their cycle and cook your batteries eventually.

Joe Carlson

[Jersey John]

I have the motorguide max pro and it has worked great for 4 years now. Working as I write, I might add. I have the 2 bank charger. JJ

[Robertp]

I also have the 3 bank max pro for the same reasons Grampa stated. I did have one that was defective within the first year which MG promptly replaced, as did my buddy who has the same charger. They have, overall, not enjoyed the same reputation of reliability as others like Guest or, particularly, Charging Systems International (Dual Pro) which now also offers a three bank at 15 amp per bank. I think CSI supplies more manufacturers boats than any other charger and the bass guys absolutely love them. I'm surprised no one has mentioned it. I use the the Trojan SCS series batteries and the max pro absolutely brings them to full charge. It is my understanding that 10 amp chargers will not bring all batts, like the scs series, to a completely full charge.

[chadk66]

Above and beyond the fact that guest builds as good or better charger as anyone, the people at guest are first class individuals. I have dealt closely with the people at Guest, especially Sue D., whom is a regular on this site, and I can tell you that they go beyond the call of duty to ensure that you are taken care of. These people know how to treat fisherman and as fisherman in the day and age of poor customer service need to do business with companies like them. They really give back to the consumer.

[fishandhunt1]

Thanks for all of the info. on this. One more question. Do you think the Guest 2623 is a sufficent model. It has 10-10-3 amps per bank . I could hookup the two 10 amp banks to my trolling batteries and my 3 amp to my starting battery. My gas motor does have a built in charger so it does charge when it is running. Does it sound like a plan or dont I know what I am talking about. THANKS A BUNCH Larry

[T-Mac]

Guest is very good, but my vote for "best" would go to Charging Systems International and their "Dual Pro" chargers.
Check out> http://dualpro.com

[moreyes]

I have got a Guest 2623, and knock on wood any problems,going on my 4th year, batterys always toped off every morning. I do bring a heavy long extension chord with me in case there is a power issue(voltage drop).

good luck, moreyes

[Speedy]

I will be going on my 3rd year with the Guest 2623, I have nothing but praise for the unit. Plug it in and forget it. I plug in to the juice at the dock in Canada and the next morning full charge.

[Todd_NE]

I'd vote for dual pro too Terry!

[Prchjerker]

Id go for the the new pro mariner charger system.It new technology will make the old linear chargers obsolete.Theyre smaller, lighter ,disapate heat better not to memtion its new technology the way it charges.Seen them ou at Vegas in Nov at a trade show.They will be a brand to contend with, they sold me.P.J.

[chadk66]

That would be very good unit for you. I actually have two guest chargers. I have one mounted in the floor between the consoles with my bow mount trolling batteries. It is a double bank both putting out 10 amps. I also have a smaller one located in the back with my starting battery. It is a double 5 amp. Since I don't run a rear electric, I simply connect both leads to the battery, this is what guest recommends. They have worked flawlessly, and I think you would be happy going with what you mentioned.

[Sparky]

I've had a Charging Systems International 3-bank since about 1993. It keeps working great. I also leave it plugged in all winter. I am charging 4 batteries with the unit and it keeps them topped off. I would definitely buy another one. I've never owned a Guest so, no comment on them.

[Skeeter]

I agree with Perchjerker! Guest is #1 in my book. Have had it for at least 2 years now with no problems. Another reason is the "Sue D fan club". Sue is one here a lot checking to see if any of us need help of any kind with our units or to give advice to anyone who seeking it on the subject.

[Hookmaster]

When I got my new boat I wanted an onboard charger. I first got a Guest from Cabelas. When it arrived one of the crimped connectors had pulled off of the wire. The instructions said be aware that heat was produced during the charging process, equivalent to a 100 watt light bulb (if I remember correctly). I didn't like that. I got a CSI Dual Pro instead. The connections are soldered and it does not get as warm during charging. You can mount it anywhere.

Formerly John in MN

[Sue D.]

Larry,

The 2623 has been upgraded to a 10, 10, 5, however it is not published in many catalogs. It has only recently been changed on our packaging although the change happened 6-8 months ago.

Have a great day!

Sue D.

[fishandhunt1]

I guess I just want to say thanks to everyone that gave me input on the charger system. I have just ordered a Guest 2623. The input with the customer service made my mind up. Sounds like some good people at Guest. Thanks for everything. Larry

[targa2]

Dual pro are good as long as you dont encounter low voltage which is common on docks. "Guest" and "professional mariner" chargers are calibrated to work perfectly as low as 90 volts. Pro mariner also allocates all of its 30 amps of current to the batteries or battery that needs it most. Charge on!!!

[EsoxProSport]

Sue, does the issue of turning on at 80 Volts versus 90-100 sound right? I am one of many people that "Plugs In" at a CAnadian Lodge/island I visit. The place is Generator Powered. I also use a long cord at times at other locations.

[Sue D.]

The Guest charger is rated to provide full DC output at an AC input voltage of 90 to 140 volts AC, however there is a slight tolerance there. I don't believe that our chargers will work with AC voltage as low as 80. Thee is no problem in using our chargers with generators.

Have a great day!

Sue D.

[BRS1]

Guest.

[Denali]

This is a related question that I'm sure one of you guys will know.
We charge 2 trolling batteries from a 1400 watt Honda generator. I am going install an onboard charger. Is the max charger I can install a
10 amp (5amp to each battery)? Don't you multiply the # of amps times 120 to get the maximum your generator will handle?

Thanks for the input

[Firetiger]

I own a Dualpro but I can't honestly tell you if it is better or worse than a Guest because I haven't owned the latter. Seems that few have owned both so I wouldn't too much stock in any of the replies except that they both seem to perform as expected. Take your pick.

[MK]

Denali

1,400 watts would put out approx. 11.67 amp at 120 volts, in a perfect world. 1,400w/120v = 11.67 amps AC. The same 1,400 watts at 12 volts would be 1,400/12=116.7 amps DC, roughly.

Realistically, the 1,400 watt rated generator may deliver a little less and there are inefficiencies and losses (heat) in each device along the way.

Having said all of this, you should be able to put as large of a charger as you want on your boat. I doubt that any of them will pull more than 10 amps AC at 120 volts from your generator. Even if you put a 3-bank, 15 amp per bank charger, this totals 45 amps out. 45 amps x 14 volts (charge voltage) = 630 watts. If the charger is only 75% efficient it will still only require 630/.75 = 840 watts input, or about 7 amps input from the 120v. generator.

Just check the spec sheets for any charger you look at or check the internet sites with info for charger input requirements. Any good manufacturer will have this info available.

[Gary Gray]

In Reply: The best out there, is the Guest charger. I have been using them for the past 4 yrs, and have not had any problems. They have several models to choose from, to fit your needs. Check out there website.


Gary Gray #10

[Denali]

MK
Thanks for the good info. There is always someone on WC that is very helpful and informative.

[Someday]

I am on my second Guest charger in 3 1/2 years. The first one went out in 14 months and now the second one won't charge my starter battery. I think I will switch brands. I shouldn't have to buy new ones every 1 1/2 to 2 years.

[fishandhunt1]

Someday Give Sue D a call at guest maybe she can help you on your trouble with your chargers. Sounds like she is a very good customer service rep for guest. I think she helped one outher person out on this post earlier. Good Luck Larry

[JAK]

My vote goes for CSI Dual Pro's. GREAT Product and GREAT people to work with!!!!! They even have a 3 YEAR no hassle warranty, if you ever need it. They will send you a replacement along with a UPS shipping return label so you can send in the old part if needed.

I am on my second system in the second boat since I started using an on-board charger. My first set of batteries lasted over six years. I believe that it is greatly do to the fact that the charger took good care of them!

[Jim Ordway]

You have lots of good advice going here. You should make sure your charger is compatible with your batteries (AGM,Gell, wet cell etc.) New technology with solid state electronics vs transformers =s lighter and more efficient chargers. Charge rates, charge stages, ability to charge under conditions of power source voltage drop all all important. Feb 02 Bass and Walleye boats has a nice article on this subject that will may you a better informed consumer.
Best of luck,

[TJ]

I had a Guest 2623 on my last boat and I now have a CSI Dual Pro 3-bank in my current boat. I have had ZERO problems with both units.

Nice article on how the different brands of chargers work in the issue of Bass & Walleye Boats that arrived today (pg. 18).