Replace LaMarche Charger and batteries.

[Looking Glass]

I am considering dumping the LaMarche Constavolt charger and replacing it with a smart charger so that I can switch to AGM batteries.

Does anyone who has done this have any suggestions, or know of downsides?

I assume having a constavolt charger lets the charger run 32 volt systems without hitting up the batteries while at dock or when running the generator. However, it seems to be cooking my batteries and I am tired of constantly needing to add water.

I have also considered leaving the charger hooked up but turned off, so that it could be used in an emergency or adding a switch so that it could operate ship systems but not charge the batteries if wanted (plus I don't feel like removing it).

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Pascal]

Leaving these old chargers off is a bad idea in case of a leak and a bilge pump draining the batteries. What I did eqrly on is add a timer to the charger to run it 12 hours a day.

But indeed replacing it with a modern multistage charger is the best option in the long run.

Personally I m not a huge fan of AGMs. The only real benefit is not having to top off the batteries but with a modern charger water consumption is greatly reduced. On boats with easy access to the batteries, topping them off every couple of months is no big deal.

I have had AGMs on all the boats I ve run on the last 15+ years and none have lasted longer than the lead acids on my personal boat.

 

[Captain Ralph]

If I remember correctly, LaMarche had a large wire wrapped resistor with a slider band on it. I understood that this was the final voltage out adjustment. If you or anybody has a manual on it maybe with more correct instructions on final voltage adjustments you can save all.

My Raritan 32V chargers are adjustable. 20 years ago they were boiling over the batteries every 2 months. I adjusted them down 2 volts and then water required every year.
From almost 38v down to 35.5v.
I recall my alternators charging maybe 0.25 more than the charger.

Now days, I'm down to 34.5 volts. still require water once a year mainly because of the alternators still charging around 26 to 26.5 volts, almost 2.3 v per cell.

keep in mind, Constavolt chargers are set at the float voltage level. There is no multi step charging profile in these ole beast.

 

[brettportzer]

I know you are on a 32v system and don't have the same choice of chargers that I had at 12v.

But, what I can say is, I tried to keep running my old Sentry charger that was overcharging my new batteries by just turning it off most of the time...

That didn't work at all and I ended up replacing the charger and one of the battery banks.

Also, I end up with a quart or more of battery acid water in the bottom of my battery boxes from this exercise...

 

[SEVEN]

I took out my old battery charger and the damn boat came up a foot out of the water lol. Those darn things are really heavy. I replaced it with a 32 V sentry smart charger that only weighs 8 pounds. The old chargers were great in their time, but the new smart chargers are the way to go. Just make sure you have a couple of guys with you when you try to remove it because it is heavy.

 

[ageless]

my choice and very happy
https://analyticsystems.com/product/bca1000-220-32/

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[rayswift]

You might consider leaving the old charger in place. We did after installing a 32v Outback inverter/charger. During winter storage I discovered that I could step down from the 50amp cord all the way to 110 and the old charger worked.Maybe just unique to our setup but the Outback charger would not operate on the 110 outlet. It was good to know we could top off the batteries every couple of weeks.

 

[skinners1]

Went with NAPA SPECIALTY/GC Batteries 3 years ago. My observation is that they work and work well for me (12v71's have never hesitated to start) and port/house side has handled them well also with a Sterling Pro 32v charger attached to both banks. I am careful to check tightness of all connections prior to starting and when watering them (part of my routine maintenance schedule.

 

[pmacFL]

Another vote for the Sterling charger. It is very quiet and cool. I am still using lead acid US battery batteries, but would like to change to Full River DC200-8 on the next change.I would like to fabricate a rack to stack the batteries vertically instead of on the floor in the boxes.

 

[MadHatter53]

I cooked both banks before I replaced the lamarche cooker. I also have the Sterling pro and it’s been good for three seasons.

 

[Looking Glass]

Thanks for all the replies. I think what I am going to do is install the Sterling Charger and the starting bank of batteries with Golf Cart Batteries, possibly AGM if the price is right. The house bank is fine for now, and I will leave that connected to the old LaMarche charger until they need to be replaced.

The Sterling can handle 3 banks, so I will eventually have them charge both banks, but I will leave the Lamarche on board for an emergency and because I don't feel like going through the effort to remove it - for now.

By the way, I changed over to Golf Cart Batters four years ago and, until now, never had a problem with them starting the boat.