[C320-list] Starting Battery Installation

[Darrell]

A group 24 is more than adequate for starting the engine. I used a plastic 
battery box and plywood but I imagine glassing in a permanent shelf would be 
a better solution. I bought  a small Optima AGM battery for not much more 
than a flooded one that has much the same charging pattern. You might 
consider replacing the Perko switch with a Blue Sea Battery switch. They 
make one to fit the same space. It isolates the starting battery and house 
batteries in the on postion and has an optional combine position for 
emergencies. I also installed a battery combiner between the starting and 
house bank so when the the house bank is charged, the alternator starts 
charging the starter battery. I ran a heavier gage wire straight from the 
alternator to the starter so I utilize the heavier wire back to the panel 
for charging. I understand that running appropriate gaged wire directly form 
the alternator to the batteries would be the most effiecient way to go and 
you eliminate the problem of someone switching to off while the engine is 
running. That is next on my list of electrical upgrades. Darrell


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Quentin Murphy" <qmurphy at sympatico.ca>
To: "C320-List" <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Friday, May 19, 2006 5:45 AM
Subject: [C320-list] Starting Battery Installation


> I'm going to heed the advice of many on this group and install a Starting
> Battery, as my original 4Ds are showing their age.  I will then replace 
> the
> 4Ds with Deep Cycle type.  I'm staying with flooded batteries
> throughout...cost.  But I have a few questions.
>
> Will a Group 27 battery fit forward of the two 4Ds or should I go with a
> Group 24 (automotive size)?  I understand a Group 24 is plenty to start my
> Yanmar engine.  How have others supported this extra battery?  Have they
> used plywood alone or plywood covered with fibreglass?
>
> I going to use a separate Perko ON/OFF switch for the starting bank and
> leave the original OFF/ONE/TWO/BOTH battery switch for the House Bank.  In
> addition I was going to install a key-switch to use as an emergency 
> combiner
> in case the starting battery will not start the engine.  My original 
> battery
> switch and two battery circuit breakers are mounted on the starboard side
> teak panel with an engraved plastic laminate dress-panel.  It looks like
> this dress-panel is screwed into the Perko switch with four screws.  Where
> have others located the additional two switches?  I was thinking of having 
> a
> new larger laminate dress-panel made with new lettering to house all these
> switches.   There's plenty of room on the teak panel to go higher.
>
> Then there are the chargers.  I have a Charles 20-Amp which can handle a
> third bank, so I suppose I just run one #10 red wire with an in-line fuse
> for that.  Does anyone know the length required as it seems to take an
> interesting route?  For the Alternator, I was going to use an Echo Charger
> which I understand will allow me to tie into the alternator, but keep the
> banks separate and not overcharge either bank.  Where does the existing 
> wire
> come from the alternator to the battery bank, so I can determine where to
> locate this Echo Charger?
>
> Any suggestions from those who have gone through this would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Quentin Murphy
> Celtic Knot #667
>
>
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