[C320-list] Battery Management

[Scott Thompson]

Experience tells me not to worry too much.  You will get a feel for this 
in short order.

I don't know where you sail, but on the Chesapeake I leave the fridge on 
all of the time while cruising, and run the engine in the morning to 
recharge batteries when I'm anchored out.  I keep the fridge set on 5, 
and it uses a lot less energy at night because the kids aren't 
constantly opening it.  Plus the ambient temperature is less.

I put a big block of ice in the bottom of the fridge at the start of a 
week long cruise, and it's still there a few days later, so I'm getting 
adequate cooling.  The block of ice acts as a "thermal sink" that keeps 
the compressor from having to work too hard during periods (around meal 
time) when the fridge is opened a lot and/or when warm things are put 
inside.  We also keep a thermos of ice water on the kitchen counter so 
that people aren't tempted to open the fridge at night.

The only time I run the engine before going to bed is when I've been at 
anchor for 24 hours.

Good luck with that first cruise.  You are going to love the boat.

Scott

Paul Adison wrote:
> I am brand new to this list and have owned my 320 for just a week.  We 
> are leaving on a weeks cruise on Sat.  I am concerned about the drain on 
> my batteries.  Much of the trip will be motoring so the refrig. will be 
> charging for much of the day.  Can I leave the refrig on all the time, 
> even while at anchor?  Is it best to run the engine for an hour prior to 
> going to sleep and then turning the refrig off?  What does your 
> experience tell you?
> 
> Paul Adison
> S/V "Rough Draft" _/ )
> C320 #722
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-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653