On Board Charger?

[schaaed1]

I just picked up a slightly used ProMariner ProSport 12, 2 bank on-board charger. For the life of me I can not understand why they make the out put cables only 6' long. Even if you have it in the middle of the boat ... it is not enough cable to get to the batteries (trolling and starting) for most boats.:rant:

They say not to shorten or lengthen the cables, that you need to buy their extender .... does this make sense?? I don't normally squak about things like this and generally fork out the $$ for the recomended install/accessories. But this one is makeing no sense to me. What else can their extension cables be ... other than marine grade wire and a fuse at the end. With the standard 6' lengths and where I want my charger ... I need a extension on both ends.:rant:

Anyone have the extension? Is there anything special about it??

Ed

[double trouble]

wire is wire. marine grade is a farce unless you live on the coast. get a good so or sjo cord(weatherproof) and butt splices with shrink wrap over it and you will be fine. make sure the wire can handle 10-15 amps at 12 volts (probably 12-14 guage) at least.match what you have.

[schaaed1]

That was exactly my original thoughts Double (although I was going to use marine wire). I know the ProSports are a somewhat hi-tech charger in that they will divert more amperage to the batt with the lowest charge. But for the life of me, I can't see how their wire extension is any diff than my roll of wire (properly sealed & spliced).

I do not have any warrenty to worry about (used unit) ... but sure would like to hear from someone that has purchased the extension or someone that has wired a ProSport or Cabelas (made by same company) without the extension.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Ed

[DangerDan]

Unless you want to purchase thier cable you can mount a fuse block in an inconspicuous place be it the transom, motor well or wherever and run the charger cord to the block. From the block to you batts. If there is a warranty involved this would keep alterations from voiding the warranty.

[goosebustr79]

wire is wire. marine grade is a farce unless you live on the coast. get a good so or sjo cord(weatherproof) and butt splices with shrink wrap over it and you will be fine. make sure the wire can handle 10-15 amps at 12 volts (probably 12-14 guage) at least.match what you have.

Marine grade is tinned wire that will not corrode like copper. Also the jacket is thicker and made out of a different grade of material. I would recommend that you use it if you want to avoid problem's in the future. Also We normally use ten gauge wire for these charger's. These particular charger's a very finicky. I have seen a lot and, I mean a lot of these charger's go bad.

[double trouble]

here is the link to the cable extender
http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?prod_id=49434
its a piece if crappy wire non-fused with cheesy bolts to hook on to the ring connecters. looks to be 12-14 guage.all yours for $17.99 plus shipping. i would try to match the current wire size.
the reason these chargers fail has nothing to do with extentions.it looks like they only put our 5 amps per bank so they are a bit underpowered for a state of the art charger. i personally believe that these can't take the vibration of on board demands.you could use crimp on coated male /female connecter or their ring /bolt system.

[schaaed1]

Easy guys!! All I asked about was if anyone knew why I couldn't use regular marine wire as opposed to their high priced extension.

As far as my comment about 'state of the art'/Hi-tech ... I was referring to their ability to divert amperage to the battery most in need. It will put all 12 amps to the trolling battery, if the starting battery is fully charged. I do not think most chargers will do this (I could be wrong).

Goosebuster - When you say these chargers are finicky ... in what way? Do they fail for any particular reason?

Thanks for the info,

Ed

[goosebustr79]

Easy guys!! All I asked about was if anyone knew why I couldn't use regular marine wire as opposed to their high priced extension.

As far as my comment about 'state of the art'/Hi-tech ... I was referring to their ability to divert amperage to the battery most in need. It will put all 12 amps to the trolling battery, if the starting battery is fully charged. I do not think most chargers will do this (I could be wrong).

Goosebuster - When you say these chargers are finicky ... in what way? Do they fail for any particular reason?

Thanks for the info,

Ed

They were factory equipment on Searay's for a while. They had so many problem's they switched companies. Make sure that you stay on top of the battery fluid level's. The charger's were known for baking batteries and then themselve's. Also make sure that the charger is isolated to it's own breaker.