Where to mount my onboard charger???

[Creedmoor]

Well, I got tired of moving my one charger around so I purchased a two bank onboard charger but now I can't decide where to mount it.

My boat is a G3 1860 with a center console.

There just isn't space in the console so it will have to be mounted in the stern near the starting battery.

If I mount it inside the battery compartment, It will be really close to the fuel tank but it will be more protected from exposure.

If I mount it outside the compartment, it will have to go on the transom and will be more exposed but it says it is 100% water proof.

The instructions say to not mount it directly to the aluminum surface so I will be mounting it on a piece of wood that will me mounted to the hull.

Here are some pictures.

I would appreciate any advice or input.

Rear storage compartment with lid closed



Door open with charger positioned where it would go. Note fuel tank in the bottom of the photo.



The only other spot that it will go is on the transom.



You can see that transom is pretty high and would protect it somewhat from waves or splash over. It's waterproof anyway.

 

[Strato-G]

Mount it to your lid, make sure of clearance when closing...use rubber grommets for mounting shocks & to separate form the alumn............. emoGeezer emoUSA

 

[Creedmoor]

Strato-G - 9/11/2016 8:14 PM

Mount it to your lid, make sure of clearance when closing...use rubber grommets for mounting shocks & to separate form the alumn............. emoGeezer emoUSA

I thought about that and it is a possiblility.

The downside is that I will have to leave enough slack in the leads to be able to open it.

Might not be a problem.

I'm just a little uneasy about it being that close to the fuel tanks.

Any risk there?

 

[Aries 181]

I would mount it where you have it in the first pic. First mount a piece of 1/2" plywood cut to size to that area, then screw down the charger to the wood. I installed the same brand but three bank next to my gas tank late last year and have not had any problems with heat from the charger affecting the fuel tank.

Bill

 

[Creedmoor]

Aries 181 - 9/11/2016 9:08 PM

I would mount it where you have it in the first pic. First mount a piece of 1/2" plywood cut to size to that area, then screw down the charger to the wood. I installed the same brand but three bank next to my gas tank late last year and have not had any problems with heat from the charger affecting the fuel tank.

Bill

Thanks, I appreciate that info.

I think that that would be the best spot for it.

I have some decent quality plywood scraps that will work.

I think that I will put some primer and paint on the wood before mounting it.

 

[Creedmoor]

Got installed today, hooked up and charging.

Need to get my wiring better situated and organized but that will have to wait for another day.

May have over done it with the screws but couldn't get any on the very bottom of my board and wanted make sure it was secure.

Marine fiberglass resin on the wood and stainless screws.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Gator]

It looks good. A few years ago I installed a 2 bank Mincotta charger in my old boat and it had to go close to the fuel tank. I had it over 10 years and no problems. You should be just fine. It really beats the old style battery charger.

 

[jsb]

I have a 15 amp/ 3 bank on my boat next to my gas tank. It's been there over 10 years and no problem.

 

[Creedmoor]

Gator - 9/12/2016 9:50 PM

It looks good. A few years ago I installed a 2 bank Mincotta charger in my old boat and it had to go close to the fuel tank. I had it over 10 years and no problems. You should be just fine. It really beats the old style battery charger.

It's been charging for about 3 hours. The charger is pretty warm but the tank doesn't feel warm at all.

I think it will be ok.

 

[jimwarden]

I like mine on the lid as it's easy to see, power cord doesn't get damaged, and open lid lets battery gases escape. Click on image below to see how it looks.

I recommend the ProMariner brand charger as I just replaced the Interstate Marine Cranking Battery dated 12/2004 last month 08/2016!! I got the boat in 08/2012 and when I bought it he said I might need to replace the cranking battery and it lasted another four years - 12 years total!!