Buying a marine battery charger for your boating-related business would be a simple affair if all marine batteries and marine battery chargers were the same. They're not. Manufacturers of marine battery chargers are quick to stress that there are different types of lead-acid marine batteries and chargers; and that improper charging can damage batteries.

The two main categories of chargers are bulk chargers and trickle chargers; bulk chargers quickly recharge depleted batteries, whereas trickle chargers provide a slow and steady charge to keep marine batteries fully charged. No matter what types of batteries you’re using--flooded lead-acid, gel, or absorbed glass mat (AGM)--manufacturers of marine battery chargers have built in safeguards designed to prevent damage from occurring when charging boat batteries as directed. When buying marine boat battery chargers:

1. Analyze your battery charger needs.

2. Consider future battery needs and gather marine battery charger information.

3. Make a list of features you want in a boat battery charger.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine your battery technology - will you need a bulk charger, trickle charger, or both?

Suppliers of marine battery chargers will be glad to sell you both; it's up to you to determine if your application requires a trickle charger or a bulk charger. Even discount marine battery chargers aren't a good deal if you don't need them. Note too that some chargers work best with modern gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. If you have gel or AGM batteries, make sure you buy a charger designed for them.

I recommend: West Marine has a good section on battery information and sells a wide range of marine batteries and marine battery chargers.

Consider 'future-proof' boat battery chargers

Even if your current batteries are the older, flooded lead-acid type right now, consider buying a charger designed to handle the newer gel and AGM batteries or flooded lead-acid batteries. That way, if you decide to upgrade your batteries in the future you won't have to buy a new charger as well.

I recommend: You'll find helpful information regarding gel and AGM batteries at Pacific Power Batteries and Von Wentzel.

Search for discount marine battery chargers online

Brick-and-mortar shops are always an option, but many suppliers of marine battery chargers operate exclusively online and you might find deeply discounted wholesale marine battery chargers. Many websites also offer helpful information about choosing marine battery chargers.

I recommend: Now that you know what you need from your battery charger, it's time to shop. West Marine and Advanced Power Products are good places to start.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't focus solely on finding the lowest-priced product that offers the features you want. The marine environment is harsh; spend a few extra dollars and consider only marine battery charger manufacturers and suppliers with good reputations
• •  It's also possible to buy marine battery chargers that use solar or wind power to keep your batteries charged. If they fit your application, they're certainly worth considering.