dytek charger

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neverenoughx2

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I have a 1994 grady white 28' marlin. It came with a dytek charger model # Gp1230-4b. I am not sure if it drops down to a maintenance level. I go through batteries fairly quick and I think it might be over charging them and burning them out. It is over 20 years old so I guess I can upgrade but would rather not spend the money. Does anyone know if that charger does drop down or if they are known to fail. And maybe recommend a charger I should get. I have 4 batteries can I get a 2 bank or need a 3 bank. Not really sure what "bank" actually means.

Thanks for the help
 
When you say "replacing batteries often", what does that mean (how often)? With batteries that are hooked up to a (good) battery charger, you should easily be able to get 5 years + out of them. I'm not familiar with Dytek chargers, but any battery charger that is 20+ years old has served it's purpose. If you're replacing batteries on short-term basis, the cost of a new charger is money well spent. Plus, newer models are much more "intelligent" and provide for better battery charging and longer battery life.

A "bank" refers to a single battery or a group of batteries that are hooked together in parallel. I don't know how the batteries in your boat are hooked up - you'll need to look at that. I suspect one battery for each engine and 2 hooked in parallel as your "house" batteries, which would be a 3-bank setup.

I do have lot's of experience with Pro Mariner chargers and they have a very good product and excellent customer support - reasonably priced, too. Charles is another one I'd consider.
 
I easily go through batteries every other year or so. I added a photo of my battery wiring, if you don't mind would you be able to tell me if 3 banks are required. Any more info would be very much appreciated.
 

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Sure, no problem. A year or two is way too fast - definitely something going on there. Many marine batteries require you to check and add fluid once in a while. Do yours require that?

You have a 4-bank setup there. #'s 1 & 2 feed your engines. 3 & 4 are your "house" (accessories) batteries. They are NOT hooked up in parallel. But because you have a 3rd battery switch, you can select to run both batteries together, which in essence, puts them in parallel. I suppose there's pros and cons to doing it this way, as opposed to just wiring the batteries together to start with - but then there's pros and cons to that, too. So, to keep things simple, and without re-wiring anything, get a 4-bank charger. The downside there is that a 4-bank will be a little more money. If a 50-amp charger is close in cost to whatever 40-amp you're looking at, consider doing that.
 
I think I have narrowed it down to ProMariner ProTournament 360 elite Quad Charger 36 Amp 4 Bank. I am pretty certain I won't have any problems hooking up the batteries but how do I connect the charger on the other end? I noticed some of the have a plug but I am pretty certain my current one isn't connected to an outlet.

Thanks again for all the advice and help
 
I've usually used the ProNautic series, but they're meant for a dry location (although can still go in a bilge - but a more "dry" bilge like a cruiser). They are hard wired, but I saw that the one you are looking at is a "waterproof" charger and has a plug. Dry vs wet location... maybe that's the reason for the plug or not? I would give Pro Mariner a call and ask for their advice - based on location and 4 batteries. Maybe they'll suggest simply removing the plug and hardwiring - or splicing into the wires. Or maybe they can make one of the ProNautic series into a 4-bank for you. Either way, I'd suggest getting some info directly from the "horse's mouth" on this before pulling the trigger.
 
I have a '03 Marlin with 4 batteries connected in 2 banks. I replaced all 4 batteries in 2010. One day last spring I came on board and smelled "rotten eggs" At first I thought it was the holding tank, but then checked the batteries and noticed the casing on bank one was hot to the touch. I quickly turned off the charger to investigate. The open circuit voltage on that side was 25V. The poor battery was being fried by the charger which was the original unit (I forget what brand it was). I replaced the charger (and the two batteries) with a Guest (Marinco) unit that provided 10 amps to each side. I can't remember where I bought it, but here is a link on Amazon. If you poke around you may find it cheaper.
http://www.amazon.com/Marinco-Battery-C ... ry+charger


This is a 3 stage unit and will reduce current at max voltage. I wanted to go low on the current side to be conservative with the batteries. Most of the time the boat sits at the dock plugged into shore power so the batteries stay topped off all the time. The unit has performed well so far.
 
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