Hoping to keep my batteries in good condition and need some help from people who know what they are talking about. I was going to buy a couple battery tenders that I could just leave connected to the batteries while the boat was not in use, but I want to make sure I get something that will maintain, not cook the batteries, and not burn my house down. <BR> <BR>I have two Battery Tender 800 automatic waterproof chargers which would save me some money, but I am willing to spend (within reason of course) money to make sure I do it right. Will these work well? If not what size battery tender do you suggest I invest in? <BR> <BR>BTW so I don't get flamed, I did a search and didn't find much that was posted recently. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by ctimrun on January 24, 2010)

This is what I currently have...... <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/770681.jpg" alt="Upload">

ProMariner ProSport 20, I use the 2 bank configuration. You can find them online for about $150.00.

I have the same ProSport 20 too. Got it at West Marine for $150.00 out the door. Installed in the boat and all you have to do is park it and plug it in. Simple.

I use Stinger SBC6A, which is a 6amp/hr. charger/maintainer. When i get back to the shop or the dock, I've got a 50' 12ga. cord that I throw out and plug in. Everything else is hard-wired. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/770715.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/770716.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/770717.jpg" alt="Upload">

John - that is a CLEAN install, very nice.

Another economical option is to buy a "float" charger. You can get them from Harbor Freight for around $10 each. You will need one for each battery. They will not overcharge the battery, they cycle on and off to keep the battery at a constant voltage.

I got this digital charger which has a auto "float" charge scale back. Peak output is 24A which is nice. I attached it to the wall of the garage then made a long lead which plugs into the boat with a simple plug, the chassis looks like a smallish car stereo amp for size reference. I would rather keep 240V appliances out of the boat personally, if it went up in flames I would rather it was attached to my concrete block wall than inside the boat locker and I can guarantee that it will stay dry. <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/770731.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/770732.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/770733.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/770734.jpg" alt="Upload">

Maybe I've been lucky, my batteries last six or seven years by just disconnecting the negative terminal when the boat is not being used.

I had 3 Optima D31M's go bad last winter. I had a Guest battery charger/maintainer go bad after one year and it took my batteries with it. Now I just remove the batteries and keep them in my garage during the winter.

You guys are missing the point of a good charger. The boat's alternator doesn't put out nearly enough to charge the batteries. We use on-board chargers to fully charge the batteries during the season. <BR> <BR>If you have any kind of extra accessories or bigger stereo you can kiss your batteries goodbye if you don't keep them charged.