Chargin Battery while boat is in Storage

[IDBoating]

To be candid: When I purchase something from eBay or Amazon I'm never looking to them as a source of after-sale support (except for returns). I do my own research, understand the tradeoffs, select the product that I want, and THEN use online marketplaces like that to obtain the lowest delivered price. I don't expect anything from them except a method of obtaining a low price on the product I've already independently determined I want.

From your initial response I thought you were saying that you sell such products, and for those who do not want to do their own research or desire solid customer support I would always direct them to you. Frankly, battery tenders aren't especially complex devices so it didn't occur to me that aftermarket support would be an issue - hence my direction to online (or local auto parts store) sources. I would still direct buyers to you even if they didn't require extensive support, as recognition of your extensive and ongoing contributions to the TigeOwners community, when I'm aware that you're a vendor of the product in question.

Bottom line: If ChpThril sells what you're looking for, buy it from him. Last I looked, his website didn't have a comprehensive list of the products he offers so I didn't/don't know if battery tenders are part of his wares. I am aware of ballast components, audio components, and propellers. ChpThril, if you have a comprehensive list, a link to it would be quite helpful!

[chpthril]

See, not everybody can build PCB's from scratch, some are Dr's, Lawyers and bankers. So they may need pre and post tech support.

As to to the research, where is that info coming from that some are researching. Amazon will list the product specs, but do they have tech tutorials, how-to installs, etc.

True, the chargers arent overly complex to a guy that does what you do, but you would be surprised how many make the wrong or less than ideal choice, simply because they did not know how to choose the best charger. The result is a burned out charger in only a couple seasons. This leads to poor reviews that incorrectly reflect on the product, not the bad decision by the user. Wrong charger leads to dead batteries and short life span. Again, this can lead to a bad review on the battery, when its not the battery's fault.

Lets take the past couple models of Tige. Even with a charger being an option, they are wiring the ACR and battery switch incorrectly. Try to get amazon to diagnose that and supply you with a custom wiring diagram to correct it.

Professionally, I dont use the battery tender brand. I think they are too small to handle the Ah that most of us boaters are looking for. They are great for maintaining a battery thats likely never depleted. However, if you have a house bank thats used heavily by a high draw stereo and used while at anchor, you need a more robust charger, that can deliver sufficient bulk charge. You can t get this from a smaller tender. They work great for off season storage, side by sides, gasser golf carts, jet ski, 4 wheeler, etc. But not for a party boat with a 200 Ah house bank.

Other things to consider is the types of batteries used. Can the charger be programmed for the proper battery? Can each bank be programmed separately? Is it an on-demand charger or is each bank fixed? If its a 3-bank, can 2 and 3 be stacked on the house bank for greater output? Is the charger waterpoof and ignition protected? What if the leads cant reach the battery from where i have to mount the charger? Is it OK to mount directly to thick carpet?

Sorry to hijack.

[IDBoating]

When I spoke of "battery tender" in all lowercase, I meant the general class of device that remains connected to a battery indefinitely, intelligent enough to know how to manage the charging current without having to be disconnected. I agree with your assessment of the "Battery Tender" brand, they are too small for most watercraft batteries. I do use them on jetski and ATV batteries, though, for overwinter storage where the batteries aren't being cycled.

And I do like the units that allow specification of battery chemistry and current rate. Unless the battery is really discharged, I prefer to keep the current rate low because it's easier on the battery.

[whiteflash watersports]

I also have the promariner dual bank charger. It has been great. Installed on the inside of the battery door connected to the batteries plug in while in garage unplug when you use the boat. Just remember to turn battery switch to off.

I had some battery issues. They are the original interstate and I was trying to determine if my charger was bad or batteries. Talked to both interstate and promariner. Promariner service/tech support was great. Ended up being my cranking battery needed replaced.

[Kaase12]

I got my pair of 410's up today, everything went and sounded fantastic on the river today, then after an hour or so it shut off. I only have 2 batteries on the boat, 1 running the system (few years old too). The Batter died very quick, and I have another big day planned on the river tomorrow.

Can someone send me a pic of there battery bank set up? Or tell me how I can add another batter to my existing one so I can get a longer run time for my tunes?!

Thanks,