original battery charger?

[garyw]

hi
on my catalina 34   1986 , i have a very old battery charger called   ray jefferson  battery guard model 1230.   seems to be charging the batteries which register 13.4 volts but not sure such an old charger should be changed to a newer model.

thanks

gary w
catalina 34
summer wind 

[Stu Jackson]

Gary,

Old chargers are just that:  old.

Some can actually harm expensive batteries, others do little damage but don't charge properly, meaning they take too long, undercharge or - in a damage condition - overcharge.

The "Electrical Systems 101" topic sticky includes a lot of information about batteries and charging.

This is one of the ones that should be right up your alley.  It explains a lot of the Hows & Whys, too.

Wiring a new charger From Maine Sail: 

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=136765

[garyw]

thanks for all your help
gary

[kwaltersmi]

I upgraded to a Sterling Pro Charge Ultra last year per MaineSail's recommendations and am very pleased. The new unit is very quiet and much more efficient/friendly to my batteries. The process was fairly simple to do on my own.