[Coastie57]

Just launched the boat last Friday and went back to it Sunday to find that the C-Charger 5000 Series is not charging the batteries.  I put two new engine batteries in before the boat launched and was hoping that they would charge over the weekend.  Has anyone replace the C-Charger 5000 on their 32 open?  When I plug the boat in and turn on the Battery Charger it sounds like it wants to start and jumps up to 10 then slowly creeps down to 3.  Any ideas?

[jclark003]

You may want to first verify that you have an issue with your charger. The Amp meter starting out at 10 and dropping to 3 sounds normal. Start by putting a digital volt meter on the batteries and read voltage with charger off and then on. Typically you should see around 12.2-12.8V with the charger (and engine) off and no/minimal load on the batteries. When you turn the charger back on the meter should show around 13.5-14.5V. Check both banks separately.

As always exercise caution working around batteries. Use eye protection and take care not to drop anything that could short across the terminals.

[Matta0413]

If you do have to replace it, Charles is the company that made the C-Charger. They are no longer making marine equipment. I found a Victron that is pretty much a direct replacement. You can send your C-Charger back to Charles and I think they will repair it but I figured mine was 20 years old. Better off replacing it.