The 10 Best Marine Battery Chargers
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in July of 2018. There's nothing worse than getting out to the lake after a long week, only to find your boat won't start. Having one of these marine battery chargers onboard, however, will keep your craft juiced up and ready to go at all times. For safety, always handle your battery with caution by wearing protective gear, and following manufacturer guidelines on proper use and charging. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Minn Kota Precision
2. Noco Genius5
3. ProMariner Pro Nautic 1250
Editor's Notes
October 21, 2020:
Coming on board today is the reliable Noco Genius5, which incorporates a thermal sensor to detect the ambient temperature and alter the charge accordingly, so as not to over-charge during hot weather and under-charge when it’s cold out. Unlike some others, this model can charge batteries as low as one volt, and it also features a mode that lets you manually charge batteries that are completely dead. It can also help restore your boat’s battery when it detects problems like sulfation and acid stratification. This fully automatic device is good for both trickle charging and maintaining your battery, and is compatible with cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, motorcycles, lawnmowers, boats, and more. The Attwood 11900-4 also joins the list, and this option from a century-old manufacturer can be counted on to maintain the charge of your 12-volt battery. It protects against problems like short circuits and reverse polarity. It’s got a water-resistant build and a handy LED indicator to keep you apprised of its charging status. These two new models replace the Noco Genius G3500 UltraSafe and the Black+Decker BC2WBD, both of which suffer from availability issues.
We still believe the Minn Kota Precision deserves a prominent spot on the list, as a durable aluminum choice that’s waterproof and resistant to corrosion, shock and vibration. It’s available in models featuring up to four banks, and offers protection from short circuits and reverse polarity. It’s got automatic temperature compensation, automatic multi-stage charging, digital control, and a bright LED status display. For a more basic and budget-friendly design from the same manufacturer, check out the Minn Kota On-Board 330D. It’s also available in one- to four-bank designs, with five amps per bank. This one offers a digitally controlled microprocessor to protect your batteries and keep you on the water longer.
May 29, 2019:
The ProMariner Pro Nautic 1250 makes its way onto the list as a reliable choice when you wish to power 12-volt electronics on your motorized vessel or sailboat. It boasts 12 digitally-controlled, performance-changing profiles that you can set with ease by pressing the arrows on the front panel. It’ll charge, maintain, and re-condition your batteries, and will kick into energy conservation mode when appropriate. Its LED indicators show the service mode as well as any faults currently present. Leaving the list, due to lack of availability, is the Schumacher XCS15 SpeedCharge.
Also retaining a top spot is the Minn Kota Precision, which will help keep you on the water longer, thanks to its aluminum construction that is impervious to the effects of corrosion. This versatile selection lets you select your battery type by bank (it comes in models ranging from one to four banks), including AGM, gel, or flooded lead acid. This ensures a charge that’s optimized for the specific type of battery.
Always be sure to follow the proper guidelines on handling your marine battery safely. These include wearing protective gloves and eyewear so your skin and eyes don’t come in contact with acid, and avoid getting acid on your clothing. Follow all directions and warnings that come with your battery and charger, and also leave the electrical wiring on your boat to an experienced, licensed marine electrician.
4. Attwood 11900-4
5. Guest ChargePro
6. ProMariner 43012 ProSport
7. Noco Genius GENM3
8. Minn Kota On-Board 330D
9. Guest 2606A
10. BMK BlueMickey
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.