Charging battery ... what do you use

xpertski · 07 March 2019, 22:49

So my father used to use a standard car battery charger that plugged into the mains. Seemed to work. I note that there are specialist chargers out there, which are also quite a bit more expensive. What do you use to charge your boat batteries?

Thanks

CJL · 07 March 2019, 22:53

Bog standard halfords charger for 2000cc diesel engines.

Charge overnight....works.

We have also got a RING jump pack that is very effective for unforeseen issues!

CJL

xpertski · 08 March 2019, 07:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJL

Bog standard halfords charger for 2000cc diesel engines.

Charge overnight....works.

We have also got a RING jump pack that is very effective for unforeseen issues!

CJL

Had a look at the RING jump start packs, they look really good! Have you ever used them? The ones I saw on amazon were around phone size, think it depends on the power of unit bought.

So unless there is a particular need to get a professional battery charger I’ll just get one from Halfords for the main charging duties. The professional ones are quite pricey!

boristhebold · 08 March 2019, 08:25

I use a Ring 12A Smart Charger – Charge and Diagnose, bought from halfords, good reviews.

Pikey Dave · 08 March 2019, 09:46

I use a 7A Ctek, leave it on all winter & between trips.

jeffstevens763@g · 08 March 2019, 11:17

halfords charger never used owt else.

Simonh66 · 08 March 2019, 11:22

Small solar panel, does the job

neil.mccrirrick · 08 March 2019, 12:00

Ctek mxs 5, but to be fair I've only just bought it, lot of fantastic reviews. To me the basic difference is a bog standard charger charge overnight/24 hours and disconnect. CTEK, put it on and forget about it. It will maintain the battery so your sure your good to go when you want to

paintman · 08 March 2019, 13:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by xpertski

So my father used to use a standard car battery charger that plugged into the mains. Seemed to work. I note that there are specialist chargers out there, which are also quite a bit more expensive. What do you use to charge your boat batteries?

Thanks

That's all I use.
Not had a problem.

Max... · 08 March 2019, 16:20

Ctek 5 smart charger for all the 12v batteries I have.

Maximus · 08 March 2019, 19:47

Chargers Smargers...most any 12v ( I prefer slow trickle) charger will do a job.

I DO recommend a remote connected (waterproof) charging port on the Consol though

....makes topping/maintenance up a doddle ....and is an easy and cheap mod

Pikey Dave · 08 March 2019, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

( I prefer slow trickle)

Apparently that’s an age thing[emoji6]

jambo · 08 March 2019, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Apparently that’s an age thing[emoji6]

I do believe you can get pills for that!!

Maximus · 08 March 2019, 20:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Apparently that’s an age thing[emoji6]

I have absolutely NO idea what you're on about!???

willk · 08 March 2019, 21:58

Short charge before use - anything
Maintaining a charge over a long period - Smartcharger (eg Ctek)

I've watched a pair of Ctek chargers keeping my AMGs in shape over the winters - they swing into action every now and then, applying a full charging current and then drop back to a very low trickle, or almost nothing at times. Batteries are raring to go in the Spring.

In contrast, my genny has a 24/7 trickle charger and dries out batteries unless I keep a close eye on them. Killed a few over the years.

willk · 08 March 2019, 22:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

I prefer slow trickle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Apparently that’s an age thing[emoji6]

Do you think he means with a feather? I believe that's called "erotic". If the whole chicken is used it's called "perverted". HTH.

Soz, TRICKLE, my bad. Trickle, it's like drivel dribble. No worries there, men with oval balls are allowed to hold them while running...

GuyC · 08 March 2019, 22:24

Well, that ended that thread.

CTEK FWIW although the OP is long forgotten.

Pikey Dave · 08 March 2019, 22:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuyC

Well, that ended that thread.

CTEK FWIW although the OP is long forgotten.

Nah! Just a slight diversion [emoji6].
On the subject of smart chargers, some are smarter than others. I paid nigh on a £100 for my Ctek, which I use for the boat. I also bought a £15 Lidl special that claimed to do exactly same as the Ctek, it killed my mower battery. The power tripped off in the garage over the winter & the back drain through the charger completely discharged & killed the battery. The back drain through the Ctek is negligible. Caveat Emptor.
If you have a twin battery setup on your boat, make sure to close the interconnecting switch/ACR/isolator when leaving on charge, otherwise you’ll only charge one battery.

xpertski · 08 March 2019, 23:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuyC

Well, that ended that thread.

CTEK FWIW although the OP is long forgotten.

PD brought it back on topic! [emoji106][emoji16]

This is all very interesting stuff and giving me some google research - potentially a visit to Halfords

beerbelly · 09 March 2019, 07:26

I use a 6w solar panel from Halfords £39.99 always plenty of battery power