Charles Battery Charger Died

jaywoodz

jaywoodz

Member
Nov 12, 2012
522
Richmond, Virginia
Boat Info
1999 Sea Ray 310 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 350 MAG MPI Horizon w/V-Drives
My Charles 20 amp, 3 bank battery charger died in my 99 310DA. I'm pretty sure this is the original charger, but I could be wrong. I need a 3 bank, but I have no idea what to replace it with. I was thinking of getting the same one as they still offer it, but I want to have a screen or some type of monitoring system for my batteries either on the battery charger, or a remote panel type. I'm fine with either, but no clue what brand to get. I noticed that ProMariner is affordable, but almost too affordable for a 20 amp, at only 199.99 whereas others are $300+

Can anyone recommend one? I run a robust sound system that all operates off 12v. Thoughts?
 
I just replaced mine with the ProMariner Plus 3 bank, it was about $150 shipped to my door and works like a charm. There's no remote panel but the charger has some lights that tells you what stage it's in at the moment.
 
Boater420 said:
I just replaced mine with the ProMariner Plus 3 bank, it was about $150 shipped to my door and works like a charm. There's no remote panel but the charger has some lights that tells you what stage it's in at the moment.
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Wow - really? where did you get that for that price? That's so cheap for a charger.
 

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You are on the right track with ProMariner, I installed a ProNautic 1230P earlier this spring to charge (4) 92Ah AGM Batteries, 2 are wired in parallel creating 1 "bank" the other 2 are standalone so I utilize all three banks. I paid $1200 for 4 new batteries so a couple extra bucks on a good charger was well worth the money. These chargers are capable of charging each bank independently and have charging profiles for many different battery chemistries, along with a custom programmable charging profile. The smart chargers with adjustable charging profiles are very important in ensuring longevity of your batteries. Make sure you select the right profile based on your individual batteries and the recommended charging voltage for each charging phase should be indicated on your batteries. The three charging phases are bulk, absorption, and float, applied in that order. The fan on the charger is very quite and the display panel indicates charging voltage and amperage. I generally run 2 refrigerators, stereo, and electronics for 10-12 hours at a time and when I get back to the marina and plug in, all my batteries are topped off by the next morning. I paid $290 to my front door and never have to worry about having enough juice.
 
I run 3 blue-top optima marine batteries that I purchased a few years ago. My Charles battery charger is showing an output of 2-3 amps.. barely any so I assume it's busted? I did the switch on the back to AGM when I installed my batteries and it seems that they're just about dead when getting back at the end of the day - to include running the charger with the generator on while out for several hours. I ordered the ProMariner pro-plus 20 amp model. I doubt I need anything more than 20 amps since all I'm really running is the stereo. Occasionally I'll run the fridge on battery power, but not very often.. mostly just AC. Other than that, I don't have anything else besides lights and electronics but I usually only use the electronics when I'm driving and the engines are on (battery charger off/generator off).

I also ordered the ProMariner Remote Bank Status Monitor to install in the cabin so I can keep watch of the batteries without having to access the engine bay. It was only $36! can't beat that.
 
Oh and I forgot to mention the 1230P also has a temperature sensor that is wired directly to the battery terminal, the charging rate is automatically adjusted based on battery temperature again to ensure correct charging rate. I would recommend wiring the temp sensor to your battery bank that has the greatest power demand as these will likely be the highest temp. In my setup its wired to my bank of 2 wired in parallel as this bank powers most of my 12v accessories.
 
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Pronautic is great and is an intelligent charger with a lot of great features like automatic battery conditioning and it is "converter" rated meaning can be used to run the 12v systems while on shore power. I replaced my 30amp OEM Promarine unit with a Pronautic 1240p.

You do need to watch the fusing on the output side though if you go with a higher output charger. There are probably 20amp fuses in your wiring and a 30amp charger will blow the fuses.
 
Creekwood said:
Pronautic is great and is an intelligent charger with a lot of great features like automatic battery conditioning and it is "converter" rated meaning can be used to run the 12v systems while on shore power. I replaced my 30amp OEM Promarine unit with a Pronautic 1240p.

You do need to watch the fusing on the output side though if you go with a higher output charger. There are probably 20amp fuses in your wiring and a 30amp charger will blow the fuses.
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They typically recommend 10amps higher than the charger for breakers or fuses. I installed a 1240P 3-bank in my 260DA and had to upgrade to 50amp breakers. The Promariner Pronautic is truly a smart charger. It is capable of charging any battery, has a maintenance mode, temperature sensor, and every other bell and whistle available-all for a wonderful price. I got my best price and then called them direct and they were able to beat it. I will replace the ones on my current boat with Promariner when the time comes.

Bennett
 
I installed a ProNautic 1220P in my boat last spring. This spring, I installed 2 Optima blue tops. For the first time in 5 seasons I have not had any battery issues. :cool:
 
To echo what creekwood and bbwhitejr said, if you currently have a 20amp charger you should look at replacing with another 20amp. Increasing the charger output amperage not only requires upsizing fuses but may also require upsizing wiring to handle the higher current. The wiring size is a function of current and wire length. if the 310 dancers are wired similar to my 370, changing out the wires between the charger and battery isolator would be an afternoon and 6 beer exercise. With 3 batteries, a good 20amp charger will produce more than enough charging capacity to top off with an overnight charge cycle.
 
My 260DA was wired with 4/0 cable from the battery switch to the batteries. The run from the charger to the battery switch was only 24” and that wire was heavy enough for me to go from 20amps up to 40. I would be surprised if yours was not like this as well.

Bennett
 
Judging by everyone's response, I'm going to return the ProMariner I purchased. I'm going to purchase the Pronautic series once I get this one and return it. The responses were overwhelming.
 
Looks like both are very good. What I liked about the ProMariner Prosport is its environmental protection.

ProSport is 100% waterproof and shockproof, weighing 40% lighter than older technology epoxy filled chargers providing cooler operation and greater reliability.

The Pronautic had exposed wiring which salt environments love.

Both good units.
 
The Promariner is designed for smaller boats that are prone to allowing water inside of them hence the need to be sealed. The Pronautic chargers are designed for larger boats with enclosed engine rooms that are less likely to allow the unit to get wet. The primary difference is that the Pronautic series is designed to both charge the batteries as well as running the DC systems on the boat while plugged into shore power. They are two completely different series of chargers designed for different purposes.

Small boat with no shore power requirements - use the Promariner.

Larger boat with shore power requirements - use the Pronautic.
 
skibum said:
The Promariner is designed for smaller boats that are prone to allowing water inside of them hence the need to be sealed. The Pronautic chargers are designed for larger boats with enclosed engine rooms that are less likely to allow the unit to get wet. The primary difference is that the Pronautic series is designed to both charge the batteries as well as running the DC systems on the boat while plugged into shore power. They are two completely different series of chargers designed for different purposes.

Small boat with no shore power requirements - use the Promariner.

Larger boat with shore power requirements - use the Pronautic.
Click to expand...
I'm with skibum. I replaced mine with a Pronautic and I'm very happy with it.
 
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