[C320-list] Power Consumption

[Stan]

Hi Chis,
Below are the measured loads for the electrical equipment on my boat

Device            Amperes
LED Tricolor     0.5
Instruments       0.15
Refer                5.5
VHF Standby     0.33
VHF Transmit     5.4
Autopilot            1.5*
Radar Standby   0.6
Radar Transmit  2.7
Cabin Lights      0.9/E

* - at dock

I believe my original incandescent running lights drew 3.5 amperes.  The
load that would consume the most power (amp-hours) would be dependant on
many conditions.  Cool days = lower Refer. use.  In the summer mine averages
about a 25% duty cycle (Lake Michigan).  The sea state would determine how
hard the autopilot would have to work.

I have done a 300+ mile single handed race the last couple of years and have
found if I put a couple bags of ice in the Refer. and turn it off I can sail
about 64 hours before I'm down to 55% charge (400 AmpHr. battery bank).
Besides being a fun race it's great not having to charge batteries along the
way.  The LED tricolor made a big difference in power consumption.  (10 Ah a
night Vs. 35 Ah)

Stan
"Our Little Amusement" #744


On 12/22/05, Chris Block ..._/) ....._/) <cblock at austin.rr.com> wrote:
>
> Has anyone ever calculated the power consumption for a stock 320?  I have
> #139, 1994 and before I replaced my batteries (and added the starting
> battery) I wanted to get a good feel for how long I could sail/anchor with
> the fridge going and not drain the batteries beyond 50%.  Or alternatively,
> how big a battery bank do I need to run the fridge for x number of hours
> before plugging in or turning on the engine.
>
> I assume the fridge is the largest drain, but what is next largest?
>
> Are there any good upgrades to reduce the drains, LED's, Fridge fan?, etc.
>
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Chris
> Amore #139
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--
Stan
C320 "Our Little Amusement" #744
__/)__/)__/)__/)__