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Installation notes: ProMariner ProIsoCharge battery isolator
LaRea
Member, Moderator Posts: 7,554 mod
[EDIT 3/31/2023: I ultimately removed this system 30 months after the initial installation. It had too many problems. If you are considering installing this system, I recommend against it.]
I just finished replacing my failed Guest 2403 battery isolator with a ProMariner ProIsoCharge 130. Here are some notes that might help others who are considering this product.
First of all, the box is a lot bigger than the original, and bigger than it looked online. My boat had enough space, but check before you buy.
[EDIT: See comments below from @YYZRC on the correct tool to enlarge the holes in the ring terminals.]
The original isolator had 1/4" ring terminals, but the ProMariner has 3/8" posts that are too big for the 1/4" ring terminals on my boat's wiring. For the #4 cables from the batteries and alternators, I drilled out the holes to 3/8". (The terminals had plenty of metal left to provide a solid connection.) For the #8 cables from the charger, I cut off the original terminals and crimped on new ones.
The ProMariner needs to know when your ignition is on, so it requires wires to the ignition of both engines, as well as a ground wire. I ran 14 AWG 2-conductor wire from the junction block at the helm, and I ran a separate ground wire to a bus bar in the engine room.
My battery and alternator cables were (just barely) long enough, but not long enough that I could install the clear plastic cover. The location is tucked way back behind the fresh water tank, so it's not in a place where it's likely to get bumped. (That's my battery charger at the right.)
The red rubber boots are nice, but I had to cut them and then secure them with zip ties.
Electrical work is never easy, but overall, this was not a difficult installation.
I just finished replacing my failed Guest 2403 battery isolator with a ProMariner ProIsoCharge 130. Here are some notes that might help others who are considering this product.
First of all, the box is a lot bigger than the original, and bigger than it looked online. My boat had enough space, but check before you buy.
[EDIT: See comments below from @YYZRC on the correct tool to enlarge the holes in the ring terminals.]
The original isolator had 1/4" ring terminals, but the ProMariner has 3/8" posts that are too big for the 1/4" ring terminals on my boat's wiring. For the #4 cables from the batteries and alternators, I drilled out the holes to 3/8". (The terminals had plenty of metal left to provide a solid connection.) For the #8 cables from the charger, I cut off the original terminals and crimped on new ones.
The ProMariner needs to know when your ignition is on, so it requires wires to the ignition of both engines, as well as a ground wire. I ran 14 AWG 2-conductor wire from the junction block at the helm, and I ran a separate ground wire to a bus bar in the engine room.
My battery and alternator cables were (just barely) long enough, but not long enough that I could install the clear plastic cover. The location is tucked way back behind the fresh water tank, so it's not in a place where it's likely to get bumped. (That's my battery charger at the right.)
The red rubber boots are nice, but I had to cut them and then secure them with zip ties.
Electrical work is never easy, but overall, this was not a difficult installation.
Post edited by LaRea on
Comments
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
Also, the ProIsoCharge gives priority to charging the starter batteries, which a diode isolator can't do.
Admittedly, these are minor issues. Is it worth an extra $100? Debatable. Most people would probably say no. I use my batteries more than most, so I went for it.
Whenever I turned on the ignition, the isolator would make a loud, fast clicking sound, like the sound a ratchet wrench makes when you spin it backwards. And it was not charging the batteries. In other words, epic fail.
Because of other major life events, I didn't get around to dealing with it until this week.
ProMariner says it's a known problem involving "relay chatter, which can be caused by noise on the ignition lines of some engines." They sent me a filter ... basically a small circuit board that bolts onto the front of the isolator. It's not the prettiest thing in the world, but it solved the problem.
No cost to me. Took about 20 minutes to install it.
I have two 70-amp alternators, so they recommended a 1 AWG cable.
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
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