[C320-list] Battery Management

[Chris Burti]

Welcome aboard. We have the same experience with cruising as Scott.
Learned a new trick with the thermos. We also use a small fan to
circulate air in the reefer which cuts its run time drastically. We
conserve power, alternate batteries every day, even/odd and run the
engine 30 minutes morning and evening to charge and heat water.  I
also run the engine in reverse at 1800 RPM when charging on the hook,
more amps and better on the engine.



On 7/1/09, Scott Thompson <surprise at thompson87.com> wrote:
> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
> --
> Scott Thompson
> Surprise, #653
>

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Chris Burti Farmville, NC