[C320-list] Simplified Starting Battery Schematic needed

[Jeff Hare]

Hi Chris,

    Orlando's advise is wise here.  You should invest in the 12v 
bible or something
simple like it.  Aside from that,  the job is not complicated.  For 
any cables you need,
use only 1/0 or 2/0 pre-tinned boat cable.

    Re: this wiring 
diagram:  http://www.catalina320.com/gallery/album31/MinimalStartingBattery

This is one of the simplest functional arrangements you'll probably find.

First step:  Parallel the 4Ds
====================
   The negative terminals of both 4Ds are already connected together 
with heavy black cable and
they form the common DC ground.  That part is all set.

   To put the two 4Ds in parallel without adding any new wire, you 
can simply move the battery
cable connected to the #1 (or A) terminal of the 1-2-both, over to 
the #2 (or B) terminal of that
switch.  I strongly recommend cleaning the connectors lightly with 
steel wool before reattaching
them, especially if they're not pre-tinned connectors.

Step two:  Install a starting battery
=========================
    Put it as close to the 1-2-Both switch as practical and 
relatively close to one of the two 4Ds.
I'm guessing that you're battery 1-2-both switch is on the electrical panel.

Using heavy black cable,  connect the Negative starting battery 
terminal to the Negative post on the nearest 4D.

Using a heavy Red Cable, connect the Positive starting battery 
terminal to the #1 (or A) terminal of the 1-2-both switch.

That's it...   Now, how do you use it?
==============================

Generally speaking, you leave the battery switch on both whenever 
motoring, or at the dock plugged-in to shore power.  On the hook, 
using battery power, ALWAYS switch over to position #2 to disconnect 
the starting battery.

The engine will start in position #1 using the Starting battery or 
position #2 using the house batteries, or all batteries in the Both position.

You don't need to do anything with the alternator wiring.

The shore power will only recharge the starting battery when the 
1-2-both is in BOTH position.

Cheers!
-JeffH




At 01:05 PM 1/8/2006, you wrote:
>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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