Guide to, Buying guide
Ranking the Top 6 Best Marine Battery Chargers Available
May
Ranking the Top 6 Best Marine Battery Chargers Available
If you depend on battery power, it is prudent to have a marine battery charger on board. It can recharge your battery even after a long day on the water and maintain its condition until your next voyage. There is nothing more frustrating than arriving at the marina for an exciting day out, only to be disappointed by a dead battery. Therefore, it’s advisable to invest in the best marine battery charger available.
However, before purchasing the first product that catches your eye, there are a few things to consider. Not all battery chargers are created equal, and not all can charge multiple types of batteries. Before making a purchase, it is essential to know the type of battery you intend to charge. For instance, a sealed AGM battery differs from a flooded lead acid battery, and a gel battery is not the same as a Lithium Ion unit. Identifying these distinctions at an early stage is critical because using the wrong charger could damage your battery.
To make buying a marine battery charger less stressful, we’ve compiled a list of the top units available on the market, along with a brief buying guide.
Best Budget Choice
No1. ProMariner ProSportHD 12 Gen 4 – 12 Amp – 2 Bank Battery Charger
ProSportHD 12 Gen 4 – 12 Amp – 2 Bank Battery Charger –
(Must have HD, Pro Mariner ProSport 12 is discontinue item)
ProSportHD Generation 4 boasts a tri-surface heatsink design. This heavy-duty lightweight design delivers significantly faster charging through optimal cooling, while delivering true rated amp output during charge mode.
ProSportHD’s enhanced microprocessor and software provides digital features including: fuel gauge style Charge Completion Monitor, Charge Mode, individual Fault indicators and three digitally selectable performance charge profiles for Flooded (lead acid), AGM and GEL batteries. HP AGM profile on ProSportHD 20 Dual only.
Fully automatic 5-stage charging enhances battery performance while extending battery life. System Check OK and Battery Status indicators provide real time installation and battery fault status.
Designed for use in harsh environments with our industrial grade jacketed DC and AC power cables which include molded strain reliefs and wire splitters.
Features:
- ProMar Digital Technology Microprocessor and software controlled charging technology for fast, precise charging
- Distributed-On-Demand™ Technology 100% of all available charging amps are utilized by distributing unused charging amps to any one or combination of all batteries as needed
- Heavy Duty Tri-Surface Extruded Heat Sink Design Upper, lower and rear facing heat sink design for optimal cooling while delivering true rated constant current charging amps during its two charge mode
- Expanded LED Display with Completion Status Gauge LED fuel gauge style completion status. Four color multi-stage mode LED status bar. Multi-stage Charge Mode, System Check OK, individual Battery Status and Battery Type indication
- Lightweight Design Up to 40% lighter compared to an epoxy filled charger
- Auto-Maintain Energy Saver Mode Monitor and auto maintain batteries only when needed to maintain full state of charge. This significantly reduces AC power consumption
- Fully Automatic 5-Stage Digital Performance Charging 5 Stages: Analyzes, charges, conditions, auto maintains and reconditions batteries once a month during storage periods. Fully charges and extends battery life
- Built-in Quality and Safety Dual inline waterproof fuses, reverse polarity, over-temperature, over-current, over-voltage and ignition protection. Certified to Marine UL 1236. CEC and DOE listed. FCC Class B
- Easy Installation and Operation Pre-wired with 6’ AC and DC cables
- Battery Type: Group 24–31 Flooded, AGM, HP AGM and GEL batteries
- 3 Year Warranty
No2. Minn Kota MK-330D Digital Charger
Now, let me present you with another remarkable product from Minn Kota. The Minn Kota MK330D is one of the best 3 bank battery charger modules available in the USA market. It’s affordable, versatile, reliable, and won’t let you down. Like the previous Minn Kota charger, this one also comes in various sizes, but we believe that the 3 bank model is a standout product.
This battery charger offers a lot of technology for an affordable price, making it an excellent value for money. It is compatible with lead-acid and AGM batteries and has enough features to keep them in good condition.
The Minn Kota MK-330D features advanced automatic multi-stage charging using a digital control and microprocessor, which senses the level of battery depletion and charges them appropriately through stages such as bulk, trickle, and maintainer charging.
It also has an advanced temperature compensation system that adjusts the charging output based on the ambient temperature to prevent overheating and other issues that may damage your battery. Additionally, it can function as a deep cycle battery charger.
Other cool features include LED lights that display the health of your battery and charging status, and a tough waterproof and shockproof construction that protects your battery. Moreover, all Minn Kota battery chargers come with a comprehensive 3-year replacement warranty, providing significant confidence in their products.
Pros:
- Compatibility with lead-acid and AGM batteries
- 3 bank battery charger
- 30 amps (variable on-demand distribution)
- 3-year replacement warranty
No3. Dual Pro Professional Series 2
The Dual Pro Professional Series 2 is an exceptional 2 bank marine battery charger unit that’s proudly made in the USA. This charger has received approval from various boat manufacturers, making it a remarkable product.
Designed specifically for wet cell and AGM batteries, with the option for gel cell batteries, this charger is perfect for trolling motor batteries, freshwater and saltwater boats, and even automobiles. This product is reliable, and in the unlikely event of a malfunction, it’s repairable. It’s also a green battery, which means it’s user-friendly.
The DeltaVolt technology, developed by the brand, makes charging easier. It features a five-stage smart charging system that’s controlled by an advanced microprocessor. This processor controls automatic charging functions, adapts to both deep cycle and cranking batteries, and allows for charging different battery sizes and types at once.
It’s completely waterproof with an IP 68 rating and has several smart protective features, such as being hermetically sealed, which allows it to be submerged in water without damage, and it also has reverse polarity and short circuit protection.
If you’re looking for a reliable charger, give this one a try.
Pros
- Compatibility: Wet cell, AGM, and optional Gel cell functionality
- Banks: 2 bank battery charger
- Amps: 30 (15 per bank)
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
No4. Pro Mariner ProTournament Elite 360 Quad
Next up is the ProTournament Elite 360 Quad model from ProMarine. This high-performance 4 bank marine battery charger is designed for heavy-duty and demanding situations, and it’s one of the best on the market.
The Elite 360 Quad is compatible with lead acid, AGM, and HP AGM batteries. It features distributed charging, which maximizes charging efficiency by using the maximum available amps to charge batteries, rather than relying on fixed outputs. It can easily switch charging profiles for different battery types by quickly changing programming plugs.
The charger uses a five-stage charging profile, including maintainer, trickle, and reconditioning charging functions, to keep your batteries in tip-top shape and maximize their overall longevity. LED lights display your battery’s health and charging status, and there’s a useful push-to-test feature.
The charger also features a forced induction cooling system that prevents overheating and boosts charging speed, as well as in-line safety fuses that protect against over-charging, over-heating, reverse polarity, and ignition protection. It’s shockproof and waterproof to IP67 standard.
Made from extruded aluminum, the ProTournament Elite 360 Quad is also lightweight, weighing around 14 pounds, which is significantly lighter than other 4 bank units.
Pros
- Compatibility: Lead acid, AGM, and HP AGM batteries
- Banks: 4 bank battery charger
- Amps: 36 (with variable distribution)
- Warranty: 2 year warranty
No5. Guest Charge Pro 5/5/5 3-Bank Charger
The Guest Charge Pro is a great option for those in need of a 3 bank onboard marine battery charger. This compact and lightweight charger is capable of charging three batteries simultaneously in a fast, accurate, and efficient manner, all without breaking the bank!
Designed for flooded lead acid and AGM batteries, this 12-volt, 15-amp unit offers 5 amps per bank and utilizes a five-stage charging process that includes an analysis stage, pre-charge, charging, conditioning, and maintainer function. The LED display makes it easy to keep track of your battery’s status and charging process.
Safety is a top priority with the Guest Charge Pro, as it comes equipped with in-line fuses for optimal DC wire protection, reverse polarity, over-voltage, over-current, over-heating, and ignition protection. Since it’s specifically designed for marine use, it is waterproof rated to IP67 standard for both salt and fresh water, and shock-resistant too.
To prevent your wires from tearing, this charger has cable strain fittings, and it comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- Compatibility: Flooded lead acid and AGM batteries
- Banks: 3 bank battery charger
- Amps: 15 (5 per bank)
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
No6. Minn Kota MK110PC Precision Charger
Minn Kota is a well-known brand in the marine technology industry, so it’s no surprise to see a few of their products on our list of the best marine battery chargers. Minn Kota onboard chargers offer advanced charging technology, with features specifically designed for marine applications.
The MK110PC is one of their basic options, a single-bank charger that can be easily upgraded to a 4-bank, 60-amp model. The 10-amp MK110PC is compatible with GM, gel, and HP AGM batteries, making it easy to switch between battery types and provide fast, high-quality charging. The charger’s digital interface connects to an advanced microprocessor that controls the line voltage, battery status, and compensates for temperature changes.
This charger is waterproof, shock-resistant, vibration-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, with ignition, arc, reverse polarity, and short-circuit protection. It’s also compliant with FCC rules, and comes with a 3-year replacement warranty.
Pros
- Compatibility: Gel, HP AGM, and AGM
- Banks: Single-bank battery charger
- Amps: 10
- Warranty: 3-year replacement warranty
Finding The Best Marine Battery Charger: A Buying Guide
A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Marine Battery Charger for US Boaters Choosing a marine battery charger can be more complicated than it seems. With several variables to consider, including battery type, voltage, the number of batteries to be charged, and portability, it is important to choose the right charger that fits your needs.
To help you make an informed decision, we have created this guide outlining essential features to consider before making a purchase.
Battery Voltage: The first thing to consider when buying a marine battery charger is the voltage of your battery. Although most modern marine batteries are 12 volts, it is crucial to determine the voltage of your battery before purchasing a charger. If you buy a 12-volt charger, but your system is running on 24 volts, this could be problematic. Investing in a charger that can charge at different voltages is a good option if you are unsure of your battery voltage or have batteries of different sizes.
Type of Charger The type of battery you want to charge determines the kind of charger to purchase. Different batteries, such as deep cycle batteries, AGM, gel, and lithium-ion batteries, have unique charging requirements. A quality charger is compatible with at least two different battery types and equipped with automatic microprocessors to adjust the amperage and voltage for each battery type.
Smart Charging Smart chargers come with special processors that identify the battery type and adjust the charge requirement to ensure safe charging. With multi-stage charging technology, they carefully charge batteries and prevent overcharging. They also maintain a charge and trickle charge, and some adjust the charge rate according to the temperature. Smart chargers feature LED indicators and charging status displays.
Portable or On-Board Battery Charger Depending on the size of your boat, you can choose between a portable or an on-board battery charger. A permanent on-board battery charger is an excellent choice for larger boats with multiple batteries, while a portable model is suitable for smaller boats that require less power. A portable charger can also charge other equipment like motorcycles or car batteries.
Safety Features A charger that takes safety seriously is crucial to ensure safety for both you and your battery. Look out for safety features such as inline fuses, reverse polarity protection, ignition protection, a tough shock and vibration-proof casing, and a high waterproof rating since we are talking about marine batteries.
Battery Banks If you want to charge multiple batteries simultaneously, choose a device with multiple battery banks. The number of banks determines how many batteries you can charge at once. A multi-bank charger is ideal for charging deep cycle batteries with a starter battery or those with multiple batteries powering several devices.
Recovery Time Consider the time it takes a charger to recover your battery fully. A charger’s charging speed is determined by the amp hours. A higher amp means faster charging, but it depends on how the power is distributed. Investing in a fast and efficient charging system is a solid investment if you want your battery to recover within a few hours.
Size When choosing a marine battery charger, consider the dimensions and weight of the charger. Space is limited on boats, so it’s important to find a charger that won’t take up too much space or add too much weight.
