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Just FYI, I talked to the tech folks at Promariner about the AGM battery. AGMs require a higher charge rate and float rate than lead acid and GEL types. They need a charge rate of 14.7. The model I have charges at 14.2 which is not high enough to fully charge and maintain an AGM battery.
AGMs require a float/maintain charge of 13.6-13.8 whereas my unit floats at 13.5
This has been an interesting lesson, but I wonder if we aren't splitting hairs on this.
Good to know
Guess ill stick we Walmart batteries every 5 years or so
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I guess if the batteries and chargers go bad at the same time it would makes sense to replace everything. But that would hurt the pocket bookj
I'm in my second year running AGMs with a three bank 10 amp charger. (MK 330 D) I have had no problems at all. Two group 31 on the trolling motor and a
group 31 cranking battery. The only thing they told me was to leave it plugged up and never let it run down. I got my information from the battery dealer and
Minn Kota help line. Not letting it run down meaning never let them get completely drained.
Actually I've been using an 8 amp Stankey Fat Max Smart Charger for the last year with no problems . Only reason I got on this adventure is I got some water in my boat and it shorted out my unit which was under the seat. It wasn't plugged in, I was on the lake when this happened.
I figured I should get a waterproof one to avoid a repeat and now all this.
I'm pretty sure the Stanley charged at the same rate as this Promariner I bought. Now that I know it won't do any damage to the AGM, I may just hook it up and use it. It gets boosted by the outboard alternator when it's running as well.
If not mistaken the 330D can be set for all types of batteries (gel, AMG, acid). ?!?
Probably so. The BPS on board charger on my 02 Tracker had a switch for either type. Guess that's why this one was only $70.
Maybe it depends on the particular Promariner charger and the particular AGM batteries. I have a Promariner (Cabela's) 3 bank charger and all AGM batteries that have worked well for several years now. The manual for the charger says to use the lead acid/AGM mode. This charges at 14.6 and floats at 13.4. For me it has worked well and my batteries fully charge according to the indicator on my trolling motor. I seem to get pretty good life from them even when I troll for hybrids/stripers at close to 2 MPH. They do have a charger with a specific AGM high performance mode that charges at 14.7 and floats at 13.6 and it says it is for Optima, Odyssey, and West Marine brands. The profile for GEL batteries with Promariner is charge at 14.1 and float at 13.8. Sounds like the tech guy did not agree with what their manual says.
This is a new inexpensive model .It states in the owners manual that it is not suited for AGM batteries. I didn't know that until I read the owners manual. Anyway, I'm swapping it for a MinnKota digital chargers that is designed for AGM batteries.
Ironically, the charge and float rates for the MinnKota are identical to the ProMariner. Having majored in Engineering in college and spending 32 years in the industry, I'm beginning to detect a lack of knowledge in this whole process.
Ray, I'm afraid that technology marches on, but you and are a little bit slower.
I'm not so sure in this case. For the past year I've been using a $30 Stanley 8amp smart charger with no problems. Only reason I ordered this one was the Stanley got wet and shorted out. Figured I'd get a waterproof one.
The stats on the Promariner and the MinnKota are identical yet MK says it's fine for AGMs and Promariner says their isn't.
Something is off here, but I'm done soon as the MK gets here. I returned the other one.
I got the carburetors rebuilt on the other boat. Adjusted a tad and it really purrs very well on the water muffs. Just need to find a descant day and put it in the water and see how I like it, then decide if to keep or sell.
Decent day, not sure I remember what one looks like?? I was planning to go to my friend's cabin this week until all the rain came in. Thought about next week but it looks like rain too.
If you need a co-test pilot for the boat let me know, that is if the sun ever shines again.
Thanks