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Chapter 4
BATTERY CHARGER-LATEST
The latest yacht battery chargers feature 50 amp dual
output and universal voltage. This means that the battery
charger will operate from 95 volts through 277 volts either
at 50 or 60 Hz. This is helpful on docks that carry lower
voltage. The new electronic battery chargers are “smart”.
They will charge the batteries in 3 stages; bulk, absorption,
and fl oat formats. The charger is designated to get the
maximum life out of your batteries, using micro computer
controlled charging.
It is recommended to keep the battery charger “on” at all
times when AC power is available for maximum battery life.
We recommend checking the battery water level weekly.
The charger is factory set to charge fl ooded lead acid bat-
teries and are the most common type available. The charger
can be reprogrammed to take gel cell or AGM batteries.
In the event the boat is switched over to different battery
designs, it is important that all batteries are changed over
to the same type.
Remember, changing to a different battery type requires
re-programming the charger. Do not mix different de-
signed batteries because they need different charging
rates and voltages.
During bulk charge the battery charger brings up the
battery charge state quickly, as the battery nears fully
charged, it switches over to absorption charge. Absorp-
tion charges at a lower rate than bulk, until the battery is
just a few % away from full charge.
Note: A split ferrite is installed at a point just before the
AC wires enter the charger. It is installed as a noise reduc-
ing agent. Do not remove it.
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