E-Series onboard charger?

[Derek Fosbury]

Has anyone with a 2016 with the built-in solar panel trickle charger added an onboard charger?

I'm wondering how effective the solar charger is, and whether I need to duplicate the onboard charging solution I had on my AR210.

Thanks!

Derek

 

[Julian]

I was pondering the same question, but don't think I'll put one in for a while as I the panels will more than keep up with power loss from the bilge cycling. I guess it would depend on how often you go out, and if you are cranking the daylights out of the stereo. If you go out often with the music pegged...then perhaps. Otherwise, the ACR and solar panels should keep both batteries topped off easily.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Storing the boat inside or under roof would cause me to install a charger. Installing a charger would also lengthen the life of your batteries, it's not a bad idea for the minimal cost involved.

 

[Julian]

Storing the boat inside or under roof would cause me to install a charger. Installing a charger would also lengthen the life of your batteries, it's not a bad idea for the minimal cost involved.

Why do you say installing a charger would lengthen the life of the batteries?

 

[Julian]

FYI.....Yamaha says that the solar panels will produce 1.5 amp hours combined in the sun.

 

[Derek Fosbury]

Thanks guys - think that answers the question... will be adding an onboard charger and in external inlet for convenience .

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Why do you say installing a charger would lengthen the life of the batteries?

Installing a charger would lengthen ones battery life because the batteries will be maintained at full levels and not allowed to sit for long periods at a lower charge state. Also, if you install a Pro-mariner charger, and some others, your batteries will go through a monthly storage reconditioning mode that will deplete and replenish the battery thus extending the cells useful life. Don't get me wrong, the solar panels are going to somewhat maintain the batteries but for as long as boats usually sit in the garage or under a cover...... a battery charger is a must in my book.

 

[Julian]

OK....if you boat is stored inside during the summer I can see you needing an onboard charger. But for those of us that store outside in the summer, I'd think that 1.5 amp hours during a 12 hour day would be plenty to keep the batteries nicely topped off?

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Topped off, yes.

 

[Julian]

OK.....different wording....Fully Charged.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I think the solar will function well for you through the summer but come storage time you'll be looking for a charger. Why wait?

I'm still sticking with the idea that a multistage charger will enhance a battery's life more so than a solar charger. Especially a few years down the road when solar panel degradation sets in.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I think @Bruce has some real world solar panel/battery data from his tower. What's your thought Bruce?

 

[Julian]

My plan is to have solar panels keep the batteries charged through the boating season. Then for storage, the batteries come out and go on a charger over the winter. I don't sit and crank the stereo while floating....so its not going to need much charging....and 15 amps of charging for 5 days in a row should charge them well during the summer. If it doesn't.....I'll add an onboard charger....easy enough to do....just so many other mods ahead of this!

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Mod fever!! Enjoy!