[C320-list] Charles Charger Problem

[Jeff Hare]

Sounds like a commissioning problem.  I'd see if I could get an agreement IN
WRITING from the dealer that either they replace them now, or guarantee free
replacement if they fail within the next 3 years since it really is
difficult to know whether damage was done.  These should last over 6 years
if they're taken care of.  I'm going on 7 years with mine.

Catalina replaced my batteries that failed the first year so this should be
a reasonable request.

The 5000 series is a 50 amp current limited charger so you wouldn't likely
have more than 25a per battery through the plates, which isn't much if it
were only for a few hours, and since your starting battery was also in the
mix, it probably took the biggest hit with its thin plates.

Assuming 18.5 volts across the battery terminals, you were significantly
over the equalization voltage of ~14.6v.  

The Charles charger is actually a pretty decent unit but that seems like
quite a mistake.  I've had good luck with my Charles 40a unit.   Xantrex
also makes a decent charger, but they seem to use lousy battery connectors
which are undersized for marine use.  Guess nobody's perfect.  :)

-Jeff


 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Richard A. Walker
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 5:48 PM
To: 'C320-List'; 'Catalina Owners Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Charles Charger Problem

The Charles unit is garbage.  Change to the xantec unit and get you money
back from Catalina.

For The Love of Westies,

Dick, Jauhree & Winston  McDuff Walker
-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of John Frost
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 12:05 PM
To: 'C320-List'; Catalina Owners Discussion List
Subject: [C320-list] Charles Charger Problem

Heads up if you have a Charles charger.

The day of delivery of my new boat, I noticed that the battery voltmeter
pegged itself when we plugged in shore power.

I turned off the battery charger and it went back to normal.

A digital voltmeter confirmed that the charger was putting out 18.5 volts
into the batteries.

A call to Charles tech support got immediate help. They were having a
problem with the chargers going crazy if the mode switch on the back is not
set just right. The changed switches in early 2007, just after mine was
built. The temporary fix is easy, wiggle the switch to reseat it. The
permanent fix involves sending the unit in for a mod to make sure it doesn’t
recur. (no charge). My unit is a Model 5000SP series.

The Charles people were very easy to work with, but I do dread taking my new
boat apart already.

 

The bad news is that my dealer had left the boat plugged in for several days
to charge the batteries. It boiled off almost a gallon of water in each of
my big batteries. Luckily the plates were not quite exposed so I hope they
will be OK. Any prognosis on the long term health of my house batteries
after I refilled them with distilled water? 

(My smaller starting battery didn’t fare so well with ½ of its plates
exposed but I can lift it)

 

John Frost

2007 C320 MKII, Hull # 1118

Lake Guntesville, AL