My New charging system

[Flux]

Thanks for the Reply. I do really like those systems. I am into "smart" things and probably like you, always looking for a better way. I agree that I am not in need of a large and smart system for charging batteries, but it is worth looking into to do something right instead of half way and still being unsatisfied with the result.

Luckily I am a low volume listener and my boat solos alot, so i don't have to be the DJ boat. I can always hook up my batts on an inexpensive charger after the weekend is finished.

This is very cool stuff though and I may look into the duocharge as an adder and perhaps the smart regulator as well. For a smaller amp system, the 700 dollar 120 amp kit is not all that unreasonable really, especially if you have a system that you use alot with the motor off.

As always thanks for sharing your time and knowledge with everyone.

[Hollywood]

It's too bad there isn't much room under that box for another alternator.

[magene]

I'm a new Nautique owner and I don't know much about the kind of marine stereo systems you guys use but I'm wondering if the kind of system I've seen in other marine applications might be useful for your application. If you have a 12 volt 15 Amp accessory circuit, you can run an inverter/charger to charge your stereo battery bank whenever the engine is running. These kind of gizmos do the 3 step charging cycle you describe and as an added benefit, you get a 120VAC outlet. In addition, if you did it this way you could have a completely separate battery bank for your stereo and not worry about the circuitry/switches you need to isolate your stereo batteries from your starting battery. The major disadvantage is the inverter/charger is only about 85% effecient. This shouldn't be a problem as long as your regular alternator can supply an extra 15A over what it needs to run the boat, you should be good to go. I may have it completely screwed up but if this makes sense check out

http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/41/p/1/pt/7/product.asp

They aren't cheap, $1750 at West Marine.

Gene

[magene]

Whoops, sorry I just checked the details in my last post and saw some mistakes. You need a charger like

http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/69/p/1/pt/7/product.asp

and an inverter like

http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/198/p/1/pt/7/product.asp

which sure as heck won't run off a 12VDC 15A circuit. Now the only advantage is getting the smart charging cycle and not needing the circuity/switches to isolate your stereo battery bank.