Cabelas 20+ Charger...

[EKennedy]

Just replaced my dead ProMariner with the Cabelas version 20+ 3-bank charger.  Seems my batteries are charged enough to run all the electronics, as well as start the motor...but the charger has been charging for over 10 hours...and it's quite hot.  Anybody think this is normal?  Hasn't switched over to maintain mode yet.  Never noticed my older unit getting this hot...always seemed to get warm...but not this hot.  I have 2 Optima yellow tops and a regular flooded battery.   According to Optima...should only take a few hours to charge both batts.  Yes, it's set for Flooded / AGM.  and I've never had any issues with these batteries.  No problem lights on the charger either.

Any experience out there?  Don't want to overheat the unit...or cook the batteries. 
Hoping not to have to get new batteries...just not in this summers' budget.

Thanks

[Slipkey]

Was your old charger a 15 amp x3?  The 20x3 will run hotter and, though a long time, if the batteries were discharged, 10 hours isn't unreasonable for a charge time on a battery that's a couple years old.  Do you have a separate charger that's capable of testing the AGM batteries for charge status?

[EKennedy]

Thanks Slipkey.  I'll keep 'em plugged in over the weekend...and keep an eye on them.  They are at least (I mean at LEAST) 5 years old likely even a few more.  They have been good so far...and always have taken a full charge easily after sitting all winter.  The reply from ProMariner was swift, but rather vague.  I do have a small charger that I an test these out on...If I really need to...Don't want to pull them out if I don't need to.

Thanks

FWIW...here's the Reply from ProMariner...

These units normally get hot enough where you could still touch them but it would be uncomfortable to carry them around. The first time this unit charges the batteries it can take a while. After the batteries run through a few charge discharge cycles it should switch over to float more easily as long as the batteries are functioning properly.

[PineLk 49]

At least 5 year old batteries? Better not take the wife out for month or 2 and fit it in the budget. Batteries are more than likely toast. Sorry!!!

Dave

[bigjc]

WOW, I have never had TM batteries last for 5 seasons.  What the hell brand are they, cause I wanna get me a couple?

I believe that A/C Delco batteries are the best wet cell batteries that money can buy, but they are getting hard to find.

[EKennedy]

I have two Optima yellowtops and another flooded lead acid battery.  Might be an AC Delco.  Seems it did take a while to top them off.  plugged them in last weekend...and finally switched over to the condition mode.  Seems they are now fully charged.  Will soon need to get out on the water and start using them and see how they do.  I certainly don't abuse them, and don't drain them as much as most anglers here...but need to make sure they work when I need them to.  Thanks for the tips all.  Much appreciated.