Best Marine Battery Chargers: Features of the Right Type

You’ll find many types of batteries for your boat like- AGM, Gel, Lead Acid, and Lithium Ion. Each technology has its own standard charging profile. Following the charging profile of the battery will help you to maintain its health of the battery.

Proper maintenance of the battery and selecting the right type of battery charger can increase the lifetime of the battery and provide you with the support you need on- board.

But choosing the right one can be difficult as everyone claims their charger is the best. Maybe they are right but you can’t buy any one of them randomly without knowing what will be really good for your battery or not. Because different types of batteries need different chargers.

So what best boat battery chargers should you use? To answer your question, here are the top five best marine battery chargers that will get rid of any worries you might have about selecting a charger.

Hope this guideline will help you to pick the proper charger for your marine battery.

Features of the Right Type Marine Battery Chargers

Choosing the right onboard charger is really difficult. This is why I’m highlighting some must-have features that will help you to pick one from the above list.

Type of Battery

Before buying a new charger, you must know about the type and specification of the battery you are using. Try to know about amp/ hour capacity, input voltage, and other specifications. Once you’ve figured out all of these, you can easily choose the right charger.

Durability & Safety

You must check for durability and safety features in the charger. It must be waterproof and also eliminate sparkling and the possibility of potential shock.

Moreover, the charger must comply with ABYC safety standards along with other safety features.

Battery Voltage

You must want a charger that can provide the right amount of voltage to your battery. Though marine batteries run with 12V batteries, sometimes you may use two 6V. In that case, you need two different chargers for them. But if you have a charger that can support both of them, you don’t need to be worried.

So while buying a marine battery charger, look for a battery that is able to charge different power like 6V and 12V. Because you may need to switch between these voltages often so if your charger has the facility of switching automatically between them you don’t need to switch manually.

Number of Banks

Each of your 12V batteries can be charged if the charger has enough banks. Generally, a 3-bank charger can charge a 24V trolling motor & 12V battery. If you are running a 36V motor, you need a 4-bank to cover the motor and cranking battery.

Recovery Type

Recovery time means the required time your battery needs to fully recharge after draining all charges. A top-quality charger will recharge your vessel in 3 to 5 hours, others can take 6 to 12 hours. It is up to you to choose which one you need. If you fish multiple times a day, you need the faster one.

Power Source of the Charger

If you’re planning to use an onboard battery charger, make sure that you have access to the shore power unit while you’re on water overnight.

You can also use portable chargers so that you can power up them at home and carry them with your- board overnight.

How to Charge a Battery

Charging your marine battery is quite simple and easy. You only need to follow these simple processes-

• Remove the battery from the box, switch it off and clean it.
• After cleaning, connect the charger clips to your battery’s terminals.
• Once both your battery and charger are connected, switch on the charger and let it charge the battery.
• When your battery is fully charged, switch the charger off and remove the clips from the battery terminals.

Read More: Best 4 Bank Marine Battery Charger – Top Picks By Experts

Editor’s Speech

These are (below) the top 10 marine battery chargers out there. Choosing any one of these will definitely make you feel like you have bought something worthy of your time and money. Never again will you have to wonder about what batteries to buy. Then again, precautionary measures are advised to be able to fully take advantage of these products.

But even if you have the best charger, you need to be careful about your marine battery. Such as, don’t ever let it over or undercharged, or never mix your old batteries with the new ones.

If you have the best charger and practice following these simple tips, both will enhance the lifetime of your battery.

Explore Our Top Marine Battery Chargers

NOCO Genius GENPRO10X2 2-Bank Marine Battery Charger

There is hardly any battery in the market that is as versatile as the GENPRO10X2 battery charger from NOCO Genius. It is cheap, protected from overcharge, and reverse polarity, and overcharge, and goes with a wide range of batteries. From RV, AGM, or automotive batteries to garden batteries, everything can be changed and repaired with this battery charger.

This charger will make 12v batteries even better than before. A quick and easy installation process makes this battery more popular. It’s a waterproof battery so you need not be worried about the water level.  

It is a lightweight charger. Convenient to carry around outdoors, campaign, or at home. Of its small size, it doesn’t have any display. Rather it has an LED to show the battery charge status and info related to the diagnosis.

Things We Liked

• Cheap price;
• Well protected;
• Anti-vibration system;
• Portable. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• No cons.

Weego 44s 12-Volt Portable Jump Starter

This charger from WEEGO is not only for batteries and engines but also for any device! It comes with a USB port and cable to charge a laptop, tab, and mobile phone. The 3-pin wall charger and adapters are for powering up the rest of the household items. One charge in this charger is enough to ensure a year’s worry-free service!

Both diesel and gas engines are compatible with the JS12 charger cum starter. For gas, 7 L and for diesel 3.5 L engines are ideal for this charger. Its peak rate is 1700 Amps and delivers 440 true crank amps.

LED lighting functions are a great addition for handling this charger and its additionalities in dimly lit places. This is also handy to carry camping as well. This unit is a bit pricey but the price is reasonable. For impressive versatility, one must pay its worth.

Things We Liked

• Long life;
• Versatile use;
• Reasonable price;
• Compatible with both gas and diesel engines.
• Comes with additional necessities and a case. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• No cons.

ADPOW 5A, 12V Automatic Smart Battery Charger

With the most basic features, this charger is the easiest to use. If fancy and smart batteries confuse you then, you may find this especially meant for your requirements. 7-stage automatic charging process makes it different than the other charger in the market. 

 Don’t worry about the safety factors of this charger. Overcharging and heat issues can be solved by this charger automatically. LEDs, show the charging state and let you know when the battery is full. 

With around 2 pounds, make this charger lightweight so you can easily carry this anywhere whatever you want. It is functional and does charge batteries properly. So, for easy and hassle-free use, why not consider this charger for your batteries?

Things We Liked

• Easy to use;
• Basic features;
• Can charge multiple batteries at a time. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• No issues found yet by the users.

Minn Kota MK 230 PC 15 amps Battery Charger

This charger is perfect for small-capacity deep-cycle marine batteries and the like. It has only one bank to charge one battery at a time. It is a 36v charger and is protected from short circuits and reverse polarity. 

It is another basic charger with simple minimalistic functionalities. It is easy to use and is portable as well. Its charging state is indicated by LED lights. There is no possibility of overcharging your batteries. Once the battery is full, this unit simply moves to trickle charging mode to protect the battery life.

MinnKota has been one of the most trusted and widely used manufacturers of marine items for several decades. As the makers, this charger is also trustworthy and it will go a long way with a minimal charge.

Things We Liked

• Suitable for small batteries;
• Waterproof, shock and vibration-resistant aluminum construction;
• Digital control for a faster;
• Easy to operate;
• Economical price.

Things We Didn’t Like

• No issues were found.

Schumacher SC1359 Automatic Battery Charger

Schumacher SC1359 is a battery charger that weighs ‎3.25 pounds with a dimension of 4 x 11 x 8 inches. It has an electronic push-button that gives you the option to view the display mode, charge rate, and battery. 

Its digital meter shows the charge status and test results of the diagnosis done. Its 10-amp fast charge is able to monitor battery condition and adjust its charge rate. No need to look for a charger that can cater to small batteries.

Schumacher SC1359 also has a 3-amp slow charge which helps charge small batteries or maintain large ones for motorcycles, snowmobiles, and lawn tractor batteries. If you’re looking for a charger that can diagnose problems and cater to small and big batteries, then the Schumacher SC1359 might be just the best battery charger you need.

Things We Liked

• Combined Digital Meter To Display Battery Status;
• Slow & Fast Charging Mode Available;
• Self-adjustment Feature To Prevent Battery Damage;
• System Test Capability Allow You To Diagnose The Problems;

Things We Didn’t Like

• No Deep cycle setting.

NOCO Genius1 Automatic Smart Battery Charger with Temperature Compensation

NOCO Genius1 is a battery charger designed for 6 to 12-volt lead-acid automotive marines, and deep-cycle batteries, including flooded, gel, AGM, and maintenance-free, plus lithium-ion batteries. With its lightweight and compact design, it is considered the most advanced charger ever. NOCO Genius1 is one of the best boat battery chargers on the market. This cuts off the waiting time for the batteries to be fully charged.

Like the G750, the better. It is 35% more moderate and carries 35% more energy. This is a complete board system – in addition to the battery charger, battery maintainer, stream charger, and battery disulfate.

GENIUS1 is not only a stream charger, it’s a high-level battery maintainer. A completely programmed, straightforward battery charger for ordinary use – all day, every day – overcharges. Then it will let you finish your tasks as it can independently get its task intelligently done.

Things We Liked

• Compact design and extremely lightweight;
• Spark-proof and overcharge protection;
• Superfast charging system.
• Superb Performance.

Things We Didn’t Like

• None.

NOCO Genius GENPRO10X1 Smart Marine Charger

NOCO Genius GENPRO10X1 10Amp 1-Bank is a‎5.13 pounds,2.8 x 5.8 x 5.6 inches, streamlined, ultra-compact, portable, and extraordinarily lightweight battery charger. It has holes for mounting with a base made of rubber that prevents slipping and scratching. This feature makes the charger UV and water-resistant. NOCO Genius GENPRO10X1 has cutting-edge technology that makes charging faster than other battery chargers.

It can repair damaged batteries and can charge lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. GENM2 also maintains various types of automotive and other batteries with its 1.1A/bank. It also offers amazing safety features making it one of the best 1-bank marine battery chargers.

It has LED indicators that provide information about the problem diagnosed even in maintenance mode. In need of a battery to keep you company on water? This NOCO Genius GENPRO10X1 Waterproof Smart Marine Battery Charger will not fail.

Things We Liked

• Portable;
• Budget-friendly;
• Good quality with smart features;
• Sleek Design, Spark-proof, And Water Resistant;

Things We Didn’t Like

• No noticeable cons;

MinnKota MK 210D On-Board Battery Charger

MinnKota MK 210D is the best onboard marine battery charger. Weighing 11 pounds and having a dimension of 11.5 by 7.5 by 4 inches, this battery charger is also waterproof, shock- and vibration-resistant. MK 210D’s digitally controlled microprocessor design protects batteries so your length of stay in the water can be extended. Automatic features are what sets this charger apart from others. 

Its automatic multi-stage charging ensures you have a full charge every time. 

It also has automatic temperature compensation. This feature delivers fast charging and protects from overcharging. Being tested with its reaction to salt water and its ability to resist corrosion, you can definitely take this with you on the water.

MK 210D also offers onboard mounting which saves you the hassle of traditional portable chargers. If you’re looking for a hassle-free charger that you can take on board, then the MinnKota MK 210D On-Board Battery Charger got you covered.

Things We Liked

• Faster Charging In High Temperature;
• Shock And Vibration Resistant;
• Automatic Shutdown Features Increase Battery Life;

Things We Didn’t Like

• It Little Bit Large And Heavy;

NOCO GENIUS5, 6V/12V Fully-Automatic Smart Charge

NOCO GENIUS5 is one of the best marine chargers on the market. Only weighing 1.59 Pounds and having a dimension of 4.61 x 3.43 x 7.95 inches this battery charger can maintain different types of automotive and other batteries with its 1.1A/Bank. These maintenances are proven safe for your batteries. Its design is streamlined, compact, and incredibly lightweight.

Its very easy to use. New users can also maintain this. This smart charger is made for 6-volt and 12-volt lead-acid marine, automotive, and deep-cycle batteries, including flooded, gel. The thermal sensor slows to detect the ambient temperature and alters the charge level which saves your battery from eliminating overcharging. It also saves your battery in very hot environments and under-charging in cold weather.

LED indicators that provide feedback and information. All of these even when in maintenance mode. 

Things We Liked

• Sleek Design, Portable, And Lightweight;
• Excellent Performance;
• Safe Charging And Overcharge Protection;
• 3 Years warranty;
• Damaged Battery Repairing Feature;
• Impressive Battery Status Indicator;

Things We Didn’t Like

• No cons.

Schumacher 6/12V Battery Charger and 40/250A Engine Starter

The SC1325 from Schumacher doubles as a battery charger and engine starter. It is a 40/250A engine starter. As a battery charger, it charges 6V and 12V batteries. This unit is very large and heavy compared to another charger we have reviewed in this list. To move this charger around, there is a pair of wheels attached underneath. The size is almost a medium-sized luggage. 

From the size, you can guess it is not something you can toss into your glove compartment and use wherever you need it. But it is quite essential for garage and workshop owners to jumpstart dead engines and batteries. For an energy boost, this charger’s boost rate is 40A and it delivers 250A to quickly start any engine.

This charger is compatible with 6/2A category batteries. A microprocessor ensures constant amperage by auto-adjusting the amperage rate throughout the charging process. The attached digital display helps to monitor the voltage, amperage and charge level of the batteries. The display also helps to configure settings manually for different batteries and engines.

Even if the battery is an expensive one, to treat car engines and high-capacity marine batteries, it is quite necessary. This unit gets a negative review over purchasing from unauthenticated sources. So, be sure about the seller before you buy.

Things We Liked

• Easy to move;
• Auto adjustment of amperage;
• Digital display;
• Useful to monitor charge;
• Helps to maintain constant amperage;

Things We Didn’t Like

• Heavy and pricey.

FAQs

How Would I Pick a Marine Battery Charger?

Pick a battery charger with a rated amperage that is around 10 to 15% of the joined batteries’ ability (ampere-hour or Ah). So in the event that you want to re-energize two Group 27 batteries (2 x 105 Ah = 210 Ah), an appraised 20-amp charger is a solid match. A normal double bank, the 20-amp charger has a 10/10 for each leg design.

Is It Able to Jump Start Dead Car Batteries?

No, it is not designed to be a jump starter. it cannot instantly do that but can do it over time. It is mainly a battery charger so it will charge your car battery. When the battery gains enough power to start up, then you can start your car with the battery. If you want to do it instantly, use a jump starter.

Can Marine Battery Chargers Be Used for Other Types of Batteries?

Marine battery chargers are designed specifically for marine batteries, which are typically deep-cycle lead-acid batteries. These charges are usually not suitable for other types of batteries such as lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, as they may not have the proper voltage, current, or charging algorithms for these battery chemistries. Using a marine battery charger on a different type of battery could cause damage or reduce the lifespan of the battery. It is important to use a charger specifically designed for the type of battery being charged.

Is There an on/off Switch?

No, there is not any ON/OFF switch. You just need to plug it into the power source and connect the charging cable to the battery. That’s all.

How Long Is the Cable?

Generally, both charging and power cables are six to eight ft. long.

Do these types of chargers protect the batteries against accidental polarity reversal?

Yes, that’s why they are important. They check reverse polarity before starting to protect your batteries.

Can It Charge the Car Batteries Under Freezing Temperatures to Start the Car?

Yes, it can.

What is the Typical Lifespan of a Marine Battery Charger?

The typical lifespan of a marine battery charger depends on several factors such as usage, environmental conditions, and the quality of the charger. Generally, marine battery chargers have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years. However, high-quality chargers with proper maintenance can last longer. It’s important to regularly check the charger for any signs of wear and tear and to replace it if it shows signs of damage or if it’s no longer functioning properly. Using a damaged or outdated charger can pose a safety risk and can also reduce the lifespan of the battery being charged.

Can It Be Used in Vrla Batteries?

Yes, it can be & it works fine.

Is It Able to Regulate Voltage?

Simply yes. It is a switch-mode float and smart charger as well as a battery maintainer. It’ll regulate the amperage and voltage that is delivered to the batteries until the batteries are fully charged. After being charged fully it will regulate the charge of the batteries as needed as long as it is left connected to the battery.

Read more:

• 3 Bank Marine Battery Chargers – How to Choose It
• Car Audio Battery – How to Choose