ProMariner Marine Battery Chargers

ProMariner designs onboard chargers and marine power accessories built for salt, spray, and vibration. Their smart, multi-bank chargers keep starting, house, and trolling batteries charged with chemistry-specific profiles and simple status indicators, so you spend less time babysitting batteries and more time on the water.

What ProMariner Makes

• Multi-bank onboard chargers (2–4 banks) for 12V batteries in 12/24/36V systems
• Smart charging profiles for flooded, AGM, gel, and select LiFePO4 batteries
• Sealed, corrosion-resistant housings; potted electronics on many models
• LED/LCD status and fault indicators for quick diagnostics

When to Choose ProMariner

• Fishing boats with a 24V/36V trolling motor: Charge each 12V battery on its own bank.
• Sailboats and cruisers: Maintain a house bank plus dedicated start battery.
• Trailered boats: Plug in at home or the marina for faster turnarounds between trips.

When a Different Solution Fits Better

• You need shore-power charging plus AC power underway: Use a true inverter/charger, not a stand-alone charger.
• You must mount in a gasoline engine space without ignition protection: Choose a model explicitly rated “Ignition Protected” or relocate the charger.
• You intend to charge mixed chemistries on one output: Use separate outputs or match chemistries; do not parallel dissimilar batteries on a single bank.

Chemistry and Compatibility

• Lead-acid (flooded/AGM/gel): Use temperature-compensated profiles where supported; equalization only if the battery maker allows it.
• LiFePO4 (lithium): Use a model with a LiFePO4 profile. Rely on the battery’s BMS. Do not use lead-acid equalize modes on lithium.
• Series systems (24V/36V): Use one charger output per 12V battery in the series string (e.g., three-bank charger for a 36V trolling setup of three 12V batteries).

How to Size a Charger

As a rule of thumb, select total charging current at about 10–20% of the battery bank’s Ah rating per 12V battery for lead-acid. Lithium can accept higher rates; follow the battery maker’s max charge spec.

Estimates vary with temperature, state of charge, wiring losses, and charger model.

Key Features to Look For

• Bank count: One output per 12V battery. A 36V trolling setup needs 3 banks.
• Adaptive current sharing: Some models shift available amps to the bank that needs it most to reduce time to full.
• Temperature sensor: Improves accuracy on lead-acid. Disable/avoid temp compensation for lithium if specified by the battery.
• Ingress protection and potting: Enhances reliability in damp lockers.

Installation Essentials

1. Mount on a vertical, ventilated surface away from direct spray and heat. Confirm ignition protection if near gasoline equipment.
2. Use tinned marine wire sized for low voltage drop (typically 2–3% on DC charging runs). Crimp with adhesive-lined heat-shrink.
3. Fuse each positive DC lead within 7 inches of the battery (or as close as practical). Match fuse size to charger output and wire ampacity.
4. Route AC shore power through a marine-rated inlet and breaker/GFCI (ELCI at the dock). Provide a drip loop and secure strain relief.
5. Program the correct battery chemistry for each bank before first use.

Operation Tips

• Leave connected at the dock: Smart chargers manage bulk, absorption, and float (and storage/maintenance modes where available).
• Hidden loads cause imbalance: If one bank lags, check for parasitic draws (stereos, bilge pumps, electronics) and move them to the house bank.
• Keep chemistries matched per bank: Do not parallel different ages or chemistries on a single output.

Troubleshooting

• Slow charging: Undersized or long wires increase voltage drop. Upsize conductors and clean terminals.
• One bank never reaches float: Inspect for continuous loads or a failing battery in that bank.
• Fault light after battery swap: Reconfirm chemistry settings and polarity; check fuses.

Safety Notes

• Always disconnect AC before working on DC wiring.
• Vent lead-acid battery compartments to avoid hydrogen buildup.
• Follow ABYC E-11 guidelines or consult a qualified marine electrician for shore-power and DC installations.

FAQs

• Can I leave a ProMariner charger plugged in full time? Yes. Smart modes maintain batteries without overcharging; verify water levels on flooded cells periodically.
• Will it charge LiFePO4 batteries? Use a model with a dedicated LiFePO4 profile and follow the battery’s BMS and charge limits.
• How do I charge a 24V or 36V trolling setup? Use a 2- or 3-bank charger and connect one output to each 12V battery in the series string.
• Can one output charge two batteries in parallel? Yes, if the batteries are the same type, age, and capacity, and the connection is properly fused. They will charge as one larger battery.
• Is bilge mounting okay? Mount high, dry, and ventilated. Avoid locations exposed to standing water or fuel vapors unless the model is rated for it.

Bottom line: Choose the right bank count and charging current, set the correct chemistry, and install with proper wiring and fusing. ProMariner’s marine-focused designs make day-to-day battery care simple and reliable.