[C320-list] Simplified Starting Battery Schematic needed

[Jeff Church]

Chris,

I've been tempted to install a starting battery just because it would be an 
interesting project, but I can't justify it from a needs basis. Your use of 
the boat is very similar to mine (shore power every night, 'frige always on, 
no mention of extended cruising without shore power). Why do you think you 
need the starting battery? I use the fans, lights, refrigerator, 
instruments, autohelm, VHF, phone charger, etc., and I theoretically use 
less than 100 amps in 12 hours. Wouldn't a couple of healthy 4Ds (~400 amps) 
provide plenty of reserve for starting the engine at the end of the day?  If 
you have not done it already, maybe you should do an inventory of your power 
usage before you tackle the project.

JeffC



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Block ..._/) ....._/)" <cblock at austin.rr.com>
To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 12:05 PM
Subject: [C320-list] Simplified Starting Battery Schematic needed


Although there is much information on the site and archives for installing a 
starting battery, I was hoping to get some help on a simpler design.

I have hull #139 with a 4D battery under each settee, one on STBD and one on 
PORT.

I've purchased a separate on/off switch from Blue Sea, a negative 
distribution bus, and I intend to buy a group 24 battery and the necessary 
extra cables and wires.

I do not intend to install a monitor.

I only motor in and out of the slip (15mins) and I plug in every night all 
night.

I leave the fridge running all the time if stocked with beer, etc.

I use the boat (race and cruise) all year long, and visit the boat at least 
2X per week (10mins from house).

Can someone draw out the simplified wiring diagram?  Alternatively, if 
someone can talk in terms of "take the wire that was here and move it here 
and add a wire here....etc" that would be appreciated.

Using Jeff's diagram as a guide, where do the wires from the alternator tie 
into?

Do I need a fuse, solenoid, combiner, isolator for this simple design?  What 
are the risks of not having any of these?

Thanks in advance, and I will be happy to post a follow up story with 
pictures upon completion of the project.

Chris
Amore #139

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