Worth adding Battery Charger to R5 option list?

[MentorPilot]

I'm seeking advice about adding the Battery Charger/ Maintainer option to the specifications on our new R5. I have two weeks to make any changes before it goes into production. Right now we don’t have this option. The Cobalt price is $540 and it appears this includes a ProMariner ProSport 2 bank charger. The charger sells on Amazon for $125 and looks easy to mount and install. (We do have the Dual Battery ACR/Switch option.) Cobalt’s price also includes a transom power connection for the charger. If I am installing the charger, I would probably not risk installing the power connector and would just run an extension cord into the cockpit. So, wondering if there are reasons to have the factory do the install that I might be missing? Probably won’t use the charger except during the off season when we have it tucked away in a garage. And, one more question, does anyone know what kind of batteries Cobalt puts in their new boats? AGM I hope? Would love not to have to water the batteries! Thanks…. Grateful for this forum!

[tgrace98]

I have it on mine and had the factory do it. Same thing didn’t want to drill the hole and figure it’s covered under the 5 year warranty. You will use it more than you think. I charge my batteries about every other weekend. And it stays plugged in all winter.

[jma2@fuse.net]

If you like DIY projects, then it's an easy install; and for the price, you can get a higher-end charger if you want. On the other hand, it's much easier to just have the factory install and have peace of mind with the warranty. I did not have one originally, but after a long winter and a dead battery in the spring, I pulled the trigger and installed a Dual Pro. I use mine year all year, as it keeps the battery conditioned when charged.

What kind of batteries does Cobalt install? My boat came with Deka Marine batteries.

[MentorPilot]

Thanks, jma. You said "Deka Marine" batteries. But do you know if they are flooded, AGM, or Gell type? If flooded, then they need to be periodically watered. The other two types are pretty much maintenance free. Deka makes all three kinds.

[tgrace98]

Thanks, jma. You said "Deka Marine" batteries. But do you know if they are flooded, AGM, or Gell type? If flooded, then they need to be periodically watered. The other two types are pretty much maintenance free. Deka makes all three kinds.

They are AGM

[jhnmdahl]

It's pretty useful, but also one of the easiest options to add after purchase if you're deciding between a few different items.

[jma2@fuse.net]

Thanks, jma. You said "Deka Marine" batteries. But do you know if they are flooded, AGM, or Gell type? If flooded, then they need to be periodically watered. The other two types are pretty much maintenance free. Deka makes all three kinds.

They are AGM

The Deka batteries in my boat are "Marine Master" batteries, which are flooded batteries, without filler caps.

Also, here's a link to a battery charger discussion, which includes a picture of the charger I installed in my boat: viewtopic.php?f=21&t=3307