Battery Chargers
 

Hey Guys'n'Gals ....

I have a question for you .....

I have a '88 311 with all the original equipment. At the end of last season I started to notice that my batteries weren't charging when I was using shorepower.

To make things worse I purchased new batteries in the spring of which I believe are the "wrong" ones for my application.
I have two 24 series high cranking batteries when I do believe I should at least one deep cycle if not two.

My biggest problem is with in the last year I have upgraded the my stereo to approx. 1500 watts which includes 2 high power amps which draw a lot of power.
I have been told I should go to two 31 series deep cycle batteries first off then I should be looking at a Pro-Mariner Battery charger.

Oddly enough Formula OEM was a Guest charger.

Any thoughts regarding this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jeff

I'm using two Deka group 31 combination deep cycle/starting batteries and one side of the factory Charles Marine charger to keep them up. They serve as both house power and starboard starting batteries. Guest is fine, too. Just make sure whatever charger you use is rated for use in the engine compartment. Not all are.

I have a group 31 and a 27 tied together for my 4000 watt set up but also have a gen, which without will drain them after a day out, they are separate from the engines and gen battery. you really need to keep your engine battery separate so you get home

I have a dedicated port cranking battery, and can use it for the starboard engine as well. It's just a matter of throwing the switch. Of course, my stereo is only 200 watts..... :drink:

Just FYI, if you OEM was Pro Mariner, they guarantee repair for life of the charger. The problem is that the older models are not repairable.
Pro Mariner will therefore sell you a new model that meets your application for 1/2 the price of a new one through a marine supply store.

I paid $350 for a $700 50amp charger 2yrs ago.