Best Dual Bank Chargers For Your Boat

If your boat has two batteries that you need to charge at the same time, you need a 2-bank battery charger. There are many options available, with some of the most popular being the NOCO Genius GEN5X2, the Minn Kota Precision Charger, and the ProMariner Pro Tournament Elite. When choosing a 2-bank charger, it's important to consider factors such as recovery time, battery type compatibility, and price.

What are the best 2-bank chargers for my boat?

When it comes to choosing the best 2-bank charger for your boat, there are several factors to consider, including the type of battery, charging speed, and special features. Here are some of the top options available on the market:

NOCO Genius GEN5X2 Smart Marine Battery Charger

The NOCO Genius GEN5X2 is a popular choice for a 2-bank charger and has earned a 4.7-star rating from over 5,000 reviews. It offers a charging capacity of 10A (5A per bank) and is compatible with AGM, lithium (LiFePO4), and deep-cycle batteries. This charger is also waterproof and can be used as a battery maintainer and desulfator. It typically retails for $139.95, but deals can be found for as low as $102.89.

ProMariner 44012 ProSport HD Waterproof Marine Battery Charger

The ProMariner 44012 ProSport HD is another highly-rated 2-bank charger, with a 12-amp charging capacity. It features a tri-surface heat sink construction for fast charging and cooling and includes a dashboard with LED lights and gauges that show completion status, battery status, and system checks. This charger typically costs around $177.89 but can be found for as low as $122.79.

Guest 2707A Guest On-Board Battery Charger

If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Guest 2707A 2-bank charger is a great choice, typically priced at $113.38. It offers a charging capacity of 8A and is compatible with 12V batteries. This charger is also waterproof and shock-resistant, making it suitable for saltwater and freshwater use. Over 50 people bought this charger in the past month.

Minn Kota 1822105 MK 210D On-Board Battery Charger

The Minn Kota MK 210D is a reliable 2-bank charger with a charging capacity of 5 amps per bank. It is compatible with various battery types and has earned a 4.7-star rating from over 700 reviews. This charger typically costs $179.99 but can be found for as low as $94.36.

Minn Kota Precision Charger MK 220 PCL

The Minn Kota Precision Charger MK 220 PCL is a premium option for a 2-bank charger. It offers a charging capacity of 10 amps per bank and is designed to work with AGM, gel, and HP AGM batteries. It features a microprocessor that controls the charging process and includes temperature compensation to prevent overcharging. This charger has earned a 4.7-star rating from over 50 reviews.

How do I know if my boat battery needs charging?

Marine batteries differ from car batteries in that they have heavier plates and a stronger construction, allowing them to withstand vibrations and potential damage onboard a motorboat. They also tend to be more expensive.

There are two types of boat chargers: onboard and portable. Onboard chargers are permanently installed on the boat and connected directly to its electrical system, offering the convenience of automatic charging. Portable chargers, on the other hand, are compact and versatile, designed to be carried on board or used on land when docked. They are preferred when flexibility and mobility are crucial, such as when boating far from shore power or marinas.

When choosing a charger, it's important to ensure compatibility with your boat battery. Determine the voltage and amperage required by identifying the voltage of your battery (typically indicated on the battery itself) and ensuring the charger matches this voltage. Then, consider the battery's capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), with the charger's amperage output ideally being around 10-20% of the battery's capacity.

To know if your boat battery needs charging, you can use a voltmeter or multimeter to check its voltage. A healthy marine battery should register between 12.6 to 12.7 volts. It is important to test the battery after it has been sitting for at least an hour to get an accurate reading of the resting voltage. If the battery has been on charge or connected to a running boat, wait overnight before testing to accurately gauge its health.

Additionally, it is crucial to avoid overcharging and undercharging your boat battery to prevent damage. Lead-acid batteries, for example, are prone to sulfation if they remain in a partially charged state for extended periods. Regular maintenance is also important. Periodically check the battery's state of charge, electrolyte levels, and the condition of terminal connections. Keep the terminals clean and tight, and store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use for extended periods.

• The battery reading is 12.4 volts, indicating it is half charged.
• The battery reading is 12.2 volts or below, indicating a flat or discharged state.
• The boat has been used for multiple short journeys without recent battery charging.
• There is a concern about "parasitic loss," where the boat's electrical system continues to drain energy from the battery even when everything is turned off.

By regularly checking your boat battery's charge and following the above guidelines, you can ensure it stays in good condition and provide a reliable power source for your boating adventures.

What is the difference between a 2-bank and 3-bank charger?

The number of banks on a battery charger refers to the number of batteries it can charge simultaneously. A 2-bank charger can charge two batteries at the same time, while a 3-bank charger can charge three. This means that if you have two batteries, you will need a 2-bank charger, and if you have three batteries, you will need a 3-bank charger.

When choosing a charger, it is important to consider the type of battery you have. Marine batteries, for example, are different from car batteries. They have heavier plates and a stronger construction, which allows them to withstand vibrations and any risk of damage onboard a motorboat. As a result, marine batteries tend to be more expensive. It is also crucial to match the voltage and amp rating of the charger to your boat's batteries. Most boats have a 12V battery, but some may have two or more of these batteries. If your boat has two batteries, you will need to increase the battery amperage without increasing the voltage. This can be done by wiring the batteries in parallel, which will result in an output of 12V. On the other hand, if the batteries are wired in series, the output will be 24V, and you will need a more powerful charger.

There are several highly-rated 2-bank chargers available on the market. These include the NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger, the ProMariner 44020 ProSport HD Waterproof Marine Battery Charger, 20 Amp, 2 Bank, and the Minn Kota 1822105 MK 210D On-Board Battery Charger (2 Banks, 5 amps per bank). The Guest 2720A Guest On-Board Battery Charger 20A / 12/24V; 2 Bank; 120V Input is another good option, known for its ease of use and enhanced thermal management.

In addition to the number of banks, voltage, and amp rating, other factors to consider when choosing a battery charger include multi-stage charging, waterproof construction, vibration resistance, and safety features. It is also important to note that overcharging and undercharging are two of the main ways to damage a boat's battery, so it is crucial to monitor the charging process and ensure that the battery is charged just enough.

What is a smart charger?

A smart charger is a modern "smart" charging option that makes caring for your boat's batteries almost goof-proof. They are "smart" because they have the technology to keep your batteries charged and in good condition.

Smart chargers are designed to optimise the charging process, ensuring that marine batteries are charged efficiently and safely. They do this by employing a multi-stage charging approach, which includes the bulk, absorption, and float stages. This method not only speeds up the charging process but also safeguards the battery's longevity. It prevents overcharging, a common issue with less sophisticated chargers, by gradually reducing the charging current as the battery nears full capacity. This is especially important in the marine environment, where reliable power is essential for navigation and onboard electronics.

Smart chargers can automatically adjust the charging voltage and current based on the state of the battery. This ensures that the battery is charged optimally without overcharging, which can extend the battery life. They also have a maintenance or float mode, which keeps the battery topped off without overcharging. This is particularly useful for long-term storage or when the boat is not in use.

Smart chargers also have diagnostic capabilities, providing information about the battery's condition and performance, such as voltage levels, charge status, and potential issues with the battery. This allows users to address problems before they become more significant.

Some additional benefits of smart chargers include temperature compensation, which adjusts the charging voltage according to the battery's temperature, and safety features such as reverse polarity protection, short circuit protection, and overcurrent protection.

Overall, smart chargers offer efficient, convenient, and safe charging solutions for marine batteries, promoting longer battery life and reliable performance.

How much do 2-bank chargers cost?

The cost of 2-bank chargers varies depending on their specifications and features. Here is an overview of the prices of some popular 2-bank chargers:

• The NOCO Genius GEN2 2-Bank 20-Amp charger is a fully automatic smart marine charger. It is currently unavailable on Amazon, but it usually costs around $201.59.
• The NOCO Genius GEN5X2 2-Bank 10-Amp charger is another popular option. It is available on Amazon for $102.89, with six offers ranging from $102.89 to $178.16.
• The NOCO Genius GENPRO10X2 2-Bank 20-Amp charger is a waterproof onboard boat charger. It typically costs $224.95 on Amazon, but there are also deals for as low as $178.16.
• The ProMariner 44020 ProSport HD Waterproof Marine Battery Charger is a 20-amp, 2-bank charger. It can be found on Amazon for $152.23, with prices ranging from $152.23 to $201.59 across 48 offers.
• The Minn Kota MK 210D On-Board Battery Charger is a 2-bank, 5-amp charger. It is available on Amazon for $103.15, with prices ranging from $103.15 to $179.99 across 89 offers.
• The Guest 2707A Guest On-Board Battery Charger is an 8-amp, 12-volt, 2-bank charger. It is offered on Amazon for $88.61, with prices ranging from $88.61 to $111.27 across 66 offers.
• The NOCO GENIUS2X2 2-Bank 4-Amp charger is a smart car battery charger for 6V and 12V automotive batteries. It is listed on Amazon for $124.95, but there are also six offers ranging from $76.76 to $124.95.
• The NOCO Genius GEN5X1 1-Bank 5-Amp charger is a smart marine battery charger. While it is only a single-bank charger, it is worth mentioning as it is offered for as low as $62.36 on Amazon, with prices going up to $139.95.

It is important to note that prices may vary depending on factors such as sales, promotions, and the seller. Additionally, some chargers may be temporarily unavailable or out of stock. It is always a good idea to check multiple retailers and compare prices to find the best deal.

Frequently asked questions