Sterling battery charger same as Pronautic battery charger

johnny44

I wrote this in a recent post, but not sure if anyone saw it so I figured I would give it a shot on a new post all by itself.

I am planning on replacing both of my battery chargers on my 350 EC this spring. The engine bay is a PD2040 and the thruster/windlass charger under the berth is a PD2020. I read up on many (many) threads on this recommending the Pronautic model for easy replacement. Sticker shock got me a little bit when researching the prices. 

Then I happened to come across Sterling ProCharge Ultra. It is the exact same model as the Pronautic (same case, engineering, company, etc.), just a different badging. And (more importantly) it is cheaper!  Links are below (one describing the difference between the two and the other for the Sterling website).  Has anyone researched or installed the Sterling model?  Curious for any feedback.

https://www.sterling-power-usa.com/sterlingpowerprochargeultra12volt40amp-marine-battery-charger.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5tzBzce94w

YYZRC

Go for it. I don't think anyone has a bad word to say about the ProNautic charger.

For the bow thruster charger, I use a Guest 10 amp single bank charger. Inexpensive and has been reliable.

johnny44

@YYZRC is this the one you used for your bow thruster: 
https://www.westmarine.com/guest-chargepro-onboard-battery-charger-10a-12v-2-bank-18697359.html?&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=PMax:%20GSC%3eSmart_Shopping%3eMarine%20Electrical%3eGSS&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn_DB55-8_gIVcgdMCh1PRgmOEAQYASABEgKw3_D_BwE

YYZRC

No that’s a 2 bank. I have this one: https://www.marinco.com/en/p/2710A/Guest-On-Board-Btery-Charger-10A

Liberty44140

Looks like the sterling is only 10% less than the ProNautic. I’d stick with the ProNautic that everyone endorses for 10%…..

johnny44

@YYZRC did you hard wire the Guest charger?

YYZRC

There’s a 110v outlet. It just plugs in. 

johnny44

I ended up ordering the Sterling battery charger. Made an offer on ebay and got the 40 amp charger for $365. The Pronautic 40 amps are now $527. 

So now I have a project coming up some time in the next few weeks. I am going to replace the battery charger in the engine bay and replace all 4 batteries as well. The two house batteries are group 24, going to change them out for 31's. And also replace both starter batteries as they are now 5 years old. Once completed, I will let you know my thoughts on the project. 

YYZRC

You might consider a third house battery. With 3 31s for the house I have no issues at anchor for several days. The 350 lists to starboard (especially with the fresh water tank full) so the extra battery helps with that as well.