1989 34 Sundancer 3 battery setup with generator, Charger questions

[Bruce LaChance]

Hello Gents,
I'm still trying to chase down my issue with my old professional mariner charger. Only one of the 3 output legs was putting out 28V. The two stbd batteries are attached in parallel which is 12V. I assume this goes to a box on the fwd bulkhead which splits this to 12 V for each engine starter.
The port side battery is set up alone for 12V and it must be getting its trickle charge from the charger (I'm guessing) or is only charging itself when the generator is running supplying power to whatever?? Any further explanation of this system would be really helpful to see what replacement charger I need to purchase. Thanks
Bruce

 

[electricaldoctor]

Take a second look about how your batteries are actually connected. Are they wired in series or in parallel?

 

[Bruce LaChance]

ED, Your are correct everything is red to red and black to black. 12V. What threw me was when I checked the old charger output and it read 28V. Can you tell me how the 3 batteries are set up for and what purpose on the boat? I assume the 2 on the stbd are for the engines and the house? Is the one on the port just for the genset? If I have to replace the charger what do you recommend I buy? Thanks, Bruce

 

[Bruce LaChance]

ED,
Not sure if you got my last reply so I want to ask again...Can you tell me what charger to buy as a replacement for my set up? I understand there are no 24V systems on the boat. Can I get by with a 3 bank 15 amp charger or should I go alot higher? Doesn't the alternator and dock power converter handle most of the drain on the batteries? My battery switchs say off or both. Can you tell me how the power goes from the dock plug to the main breaker box inverter and then how its split to the battery charger and any other components on the firewall of the engine room (both engines, genset and house). Appreciate the boat power 101 lesson if you don't mind sharing.
Thanks,
Bruce