Drowning in the battery charger threads

[Lpennington]

Guys, all the info in the battery charger threads is overwhelming me. I have a new AR195 that I keep in my garage (only been in the water 3x). I just want a charger that I will keep hooked up while the boat is stored in the garage. I know I need a smart charger but I'm not sure what brand or Amperage to get. Thus far, the Noco Genius, Battery Tender and Pro Sport brands have been mentioned the most in posts.

What do you recommend for my planned setup?

 

[Bluewater272]

I bought this one, very pleased so far.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F5EBR1C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Scottintexas]

I struggled with this decision also,

are you planning on any stereo upgrades, additional batteries?

If you're keeping it single battery just go get a battery tender and buy a lithium battery jumper pack to take with you on the boat,

 

[Julian]

Don't over think this. Pretty much all the chargers out there are "Smart" nowadays! If you bought any of the ones on this page:

https://www.westmarine.com/mounted-battery-chargers/_/N-1z12wn8

You would be fine. The only things you really need to think about are:

1. How many amps power do you want. The bigger you go, the faster it will charge. So if you are depleting your battery on a trip due to stereo use, and want to go again ASAP (as in less than 12 hours), you'll want more amps. But typically 12 hours is fine for a charge on all of them!
2. How many banks do you want? If you only have 1 battery, then you only need one bank. But might you add a 2nd battery in the future? If so, consider getting a dual bank.

I've used Guest and Pro Mariner and have been happy with both. I like having it built in on board so I can just pull the cord out and plug her in.

 

[Lpennington]

Thanks guys. I think I'm going with the ProSport 6 Amp model ... this way I can just keep it in the garage on use it as an onboard option if I go that route (will look at a higher amp model as I'm typing this):

 

[haknslash]

I use the ProSport 6 in my 192. It's great for a single battery setup. I plug mine in every time I come home from the lake and the boat sits in the garage. If you have dual batteries you'll want the larger charger.

 

[druppert]

I bought this one and fastened it to the garage ceiling and plugged it into the garage door opener outlet. When I put the boat in the garage the plug hangs right down into the boat where the permanent pigtail connection to the battery is mounted. Easy connection after a day on the water & it’s always fully charged. This way I don’t have more onboard electronics to get in the way or malfunction.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CITKCE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8bFOAb52BK24W

 

[njmr2fan]

My neighbor who has boated all his life told me to buy this.

https://www.amazon.com/MinnKota-Boa...042T4GIW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_sims?ie=UTF8

He swears by MinnKota and their warranty and customer service. He told me that they're one company that puts customer happiness above all else. Sounded good so I just ordered it a day ago.

 

[Ronnie]

I have guest two bank 5 amp charger that has lasted me over 5 years but if you want to go econo consider the smaller versions from harbor freight.

I’ve used these on my waverunners for a few years now.

 

[JKallay]

My setup on my 192 is ProSport12 with dual batteries. I’m happy with it.

 

[Jgorm]

I have a few battery tender. I have the 5a Costco version on the boat now, charging both with the switch on a+b. I have a few of these tootoo really like them. I probably won't but another battery tender. Cartman Automatic Battery Car Charger 3.8A Maintainer for 100Ah Lead-acid Battery, All types of ATV, Lawn Mower, Motorcycle, Automotive, Marine, RV, Power Sport, Lawn & Garden, AGM, Gel Cell Batteries https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VHKKFNO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GedPAbJWK09HK

 

[redthumper9]

My neighbor who has boated all his life told me to buy this.

https://www.amazon.com/MinnKota-Boa...042T4GIW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_sims?ie=UTF8

He swears by MinnKota and their warranty and customer service. He told me that they're one company that puts customer happiness above all else. Sounded good so I just ordered it a day ago.

This is the one I use and have for 5 years. Built like a tank!