If you need an on-board battery charger with multiple banks, you have a fairly large battery installation that probably includes a house battery, a starter battery, an electric motor battery, etc. A multi-bank on-board battery charger can save you a lot of time and frustration compared to using a one or two bank battery charger or bringing a battery charger to your boat every time your batteries need to be charged.
You’re also being smart because choosing a multi-bank on-board battery charger rather than running it, or trying to charge multiple batteries simultaneously with one charger, allows you to apply all the benefits of a modern charger to each battery according to its own needs. This is likely to extend the life of each battery and save you money in the long run.
Today’s on-board multi-battery chargers are smart chargers with built-in microprocessors to control their multi-phase charging and maintenance processes and may also include desulfation and recovery functions. They can offer better battery performance and longer battery life. They are also likely to allow you to automatically service all of your batteries during the unattended off-season, so your boat is ready when you arrive in the spring.
What should you look for in an onboard multi-battery charger?
Power
How much power do you need? The power you need from a multi-battery system is closely tied to the application of each battery. Here is a quick guide to the output amperage for certain applications:
o Low Output - (6 amps or fewer) we can use A low output model for maintenance or any other low amperage battery application.
o Medium Output - (9 - 15 amps) A medium output model can be used for medium or occasional use, perhaps only on weekends for a trolling motor.
o High Output - (15 amps or more) A high output model is used in high-capacity battery applications (150 Ah for example), or in any situation where rapid and repeated recharging is required.
Be careful when choosing the output amperage based on its description. Vendors and manufacturers publish amperage in one of two ways. The first is to publish the total amperage by multiplying the output of each bank by the number of banks. For example, they may publish an output of 40 amps, but what they are really telling you is that the charger produces 10 amps for each battery. The other, more useful method is to publish the power per bank.
A quick and common calculation to determine how much output you need is to determine the amperage of each battery and add them up. Then multiply that number by 10% to get the amperage needed. With four 105 amp-hour batteries, you will need about 10% of 420 amp-hours, or 42 amps or about 10 amps per bank for a 4-bank battery charger.
Battery voltage
We based most marine systems on 12V or 24V batteries. Make sure the on-board battery charging system you choose can handle the battery voltages of your boat.
Battery types
Marine batteries perform a variety of functions on your boat, from starting to providing power for all primary systems. You are likely to encounter deep cycle, gel-cell or AGM batteries in a marine environment.
Gel Cel batteries require a special charging profile that models can only provide specifically designed to charge Gel Cel batteries. On-board battery chargers that only charge AGM or deep cycle batteries are not equipped to properly charge Gel Cel batteries. Be sure to choose a marine model that can handle many batteries you have.
Smart chargers
Most modern on-board multi-battery systems have built-in microprocessors. These computers run intelligent programs to charge and maintain your batteries unattended without overcharging or damaging your batteries, your charger or the boat’s systems.
Many have built-in safety features that protect against reverse polarity and can also monitor the state of charge of batteries and adjust the charger’s power to the needs of each battery.
Hostile marine environment
We filled the marine environment with moisture, including direct spray and humidity. Even if your model is not exposed to direct spray, any charge you consider should be fully sealed, waterproof and capable of withstanding the harsh marine environment.
Depending on where you plan to install the in-car system, we could subject it to everything from salt spray to more significant splashes of sea or fresh water. Either way, you can count on a relentless attack from corrosion.
Mountable
Almost always, when a battery charger is characterized as an on-board model, it comes with the ability to be mounted and includes the associated hardware. Mounting your battery charger allows for a more careful installation that reduces the risk of damaging the battery charger or its wiring.
It’s worth mentioning that this is not always the case, so it’s worth checking to see if mounting hardware and brackets are included if you plan to mount it on a bulkhead.
Safety
Boats with enclosed engine compartments can accumulate fumes from batteries and fuel and, if not properly ventilated, pose a fire and explosion hazard. Any on-board battery charger you choose must comply with ISO 8846 and the U.S. Coast Guard Title 33 CFR 183.410 ignition protection specifications, which state that compliant devices:
o Will not ignite a flammable hydrocarbon mixture surrounding the device when an ignition source causes an internal explosion
o cannot release sufficient electrical or thermal energy to ignite a hydrocarbon mixture
o or the ignition source is hermetically sealed.
Also, look for other safety features, including overvoltage, overload, over-temperature and reverse polarity protection.
Inverter
Some multi-block battery chargers have built-in AC outlets to power additional AC devices near the charger. If you need this feature, check it out.
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Warranty
All things being equal, a good warranty can make a difference. Given the harsh environments it subjected marine battery chargers to, the risk of failure is real.
Manufacturers who offer a long warranty tell you they are confident in their materials and workmanship. You should look for models with a limited warranty of at least 2 years.
A multi-battery on-board battery charger is a popular choice for serious boaters who need the convenience and performance it offers. The right multi-battery on-board battery charger can meet all your marine battery charging needs.
