Alternator / Isolator / Charger Configuration?

[dixontim]

I have a 1979 33 Carver Voyager. Through the past 5 years I have had the boat, I have encountered dead batteries, bad batteries, failed chargers and other fun stuff.

I am looking to overhaul the way my boat is currently setup to supply it's 12 volt power.

What I am looking for is advice on the proper way to configure my charging system as to protect the batteries as best as possible. I have a fair amount of general knowledge about electronics, but specifically around multiple banks I get lost.

What I would like to accomplish is connecting the following:
-2 starter batteries (acid) for starting the engines which I already have
-2 gel based deep cycle batteries (Deka dc31dt) for cabin equipment / radio
-2 alternators (sending to be rebuilt - currently providing low voltage)
-1 or 2 shore chargers that work off A/C (I currently have a small guest charger connected to the starting batteries)

I have been looking at the following items, but am not sure how they can be wired together optimally:
-Isolators
-Charles C-5000 series gel battery charger (not sure how to wire in banks vs. individual batteries)
-Automatic Switches
-Battery monitors

Ultimately I would like all 4 batteries to charge whether connected to shore power or by alternator while running.

Any advice as to optimally wiring this as well as equipment suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Tim

 

[seabob4]

Re: Alternator / Isolator / Charger Configuration?

Tim,
Sounds like you know you're sh!t. You talk about "banks" VS individual batts. Now, in the boating world, we call each batt a bank. Are you planning to wire the 2 gel cells in parallel for your house loads? The Charles is a good charger (we used to use them at Stamas) although I'm not a real fan of the metal case ones. For one, they DON'T like moisture, you MUST mount them in a dry place or they will start to corrode quickly. I've replaced enough of them, I know. I think the ProMariner ProTournament 300 Quad would be a better choice.

Now, have you looked at BEP's Motorized Batt switches and their ACRs? We use them on our triple engine/4 batt installs, the switches are turned on by toggles at the helm. Here's a pic of the cluster we use...

Very slick setup, when any charging source is detected by the VSRs, they automatically combine all the batts, as soon as the charging source is removed, they isolate the batts.

Just some things to think about...