Hello all, I just bought a new 257 and I would like to install an on board battery charger with an external male plug. Any suggestions where to mount the charger, external plug? Any input would be appreciated.
On board charger installation
- Thread starter treedogg
- Start date
Install it in the vicinity of your batteries but not directly above it because of possible outgassing. Marinco makes a nice plug setup - both hardwired version and a "cord keeper" version - check out their website. Also, check out Pro Mariner's line of ProNautic chargers - they are excellent chargers with a great charging profile.
If you are planning to plug it in while the boat is in the water, you will want to install a galvanic isolator to prevent galvanic corrosion issues. I think that was an option from GW.
Make sure to coat the plug with boshield/no-oxide/dielectric grease. The charger body should be sealed well enough.
In general, the location for the receptacle and the location for the charger should both be dry locations.
Once again, different use. I fish rough water and saltwater gets into the bilge because it comes over the bow and drains into the anchor locker. We have a lot of chop and it can come over the gunnels. Water then enters through the rod/gaff holders or the rear jump seat lids since they’re not waterproof.
If you use your boat for cruising/calm water then yes, moisture is likely not a problem.
Maybe the salt and humidity aren’t as bad where you are but over here coating any exposed electrical terminals/plugs is cheap insurance.
If the spot where you would like to screw the charger to is not thick enough, you can thru-bolt it... if the other side is accessible, of course. OR... use epoxy or adhesive caulk to attach wood to the spot, then screw the charger to that.
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Capt Bill
GreatGrady Captain
I just did this job on my 255 Freedom last month. I bought a 2 bank battery charger, galvanic isolator, and a power inlet. Came out decent. I can take a few photos and post them if you're interested.
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I was planning on mounting charger in side the console. And mounting the receptacle about a foot off the deck on the side of the console. I’m definitely open to new ideas.
Capt Bill
GreatGrady Captain
Like anything, it's an option. Some may not really need it with the way they boat. I guess you either pay for it without knowing about it (standard feature) or pay for it and know about it (optional feature).
Unfortunately, it was not part of the deal.Like anything, it's an option. Some may not really need it with the way they boat. I guess you either pay for it without knowing about it (standard feature) or pay for it and know about it (optional feature).
Capt Bill
GreatGrady Captain
Scott,
Thanks for the question. Supposedly it is. Marinco makes a bunch of them. This is the one I ordered Marinco 150BBIW and I can't really see that it's any different from the one with the -RV suffix. I am powering it from a GFI protected receptacle in the gazebo, and only powering the 2 bank battery charger.
Thanks for the question. Supposedly it is. Marinco makes a bunch of them. This is the one I ordered Marinco 150BBIW and I can't really see that it's any different from the one with the -RV suffix. I am powering it from a GFI protected receptacle in the gazebo, and only powering the 2 bank battery charger.