[C320-list] Battery Management

[Robert Seastream]

Upgrading your charging system to an HO alternator will solve the  
problem but the upgrade is around $750 and your diesel engine at  
$10000+ is a rather expensive device to treat as a battery charger.   
The Honda 2KW generator mentioned below will cost around $1000  
(depending on vendor) but saves wear on your diesel (and your ears)  
for more important tasks.  I went with the alternator, later buying  
the Honda because I might add some high current devices (HVAC) onboard  
in the future.  I built a short (5 foot) 'pigtail' plug to go into the  
boats' shore power connector.  I used to store the generator under the  
dining table but later made room in the port cockpit lazarette.  I  
don't like storing gasoline 'below' anywhere, but this generator fuel  
tank seems quite leak tight.  I've never smelled gas fumes in the  
cabin or lazarette.  As a precaution, I can run the blower and open  
the lazarette hatch for a check and airing while I prep for  
departure.  The generator has added uses around the house.

Bob Seastream
Intuition # 906


On Jul 2, 2009, at 1:52 AM, Orlando.Duran at AveryDennison.com wrote:

> I hear what Andrew says but....there's nothing like the freedom of  
> not running your engine when you have a Honda 2000 generator...3  
> gals of gas will take care of running it for your cruise...hook up  
> the gen set with a cord to your shore power inlet and let you  
> electric charger take care of your batteries...it really does not  
> take up very much room...----------------------------------
> Regards,
> OD
>
> Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Andrew Santangelo [andrew_santangelo at mac.com]
> Sent: 07/01/2009 09:10 PM CST
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Battery Management
>
>
>
> Paul,
>
> In general while motoring, you should be fine unless you have an  
> inverter and run lots of things all at once (microwave, TV, hair  
> dryer, etc.).
>
> However, there is a significant risk of draining the batteries when  
> the engine is not running for long periods of time, UNLESS you have  
> a high-Amp Alternator where you can quickly recharge the batteries  
> and not the standard one on the Catalina.  In other words you could  
> risk going overnight if you have a high output alternator.  The  
> standard one on the Catalina 320 just does not have the output to  
> fully recharge your batteries in a humane and reasonable time.  I  
> found it took HOURS to recharge with the standard alternator from an  
> overnight use. It is a pain running the engine all day and all night  
> to recharge batteries with the standard alternator.
>
> I would be nervous having perishables in my refrig and the refrig  
> off all night, especially in the summer.  You should consider adding  
> ice to the refrig for the overnight shut off.  I also put life  
> jackets over the top of the refrig in the summer for added piece of  
> mind and insulation.
>
> Now if you have a high output alternator you should be fine.   
> Recharge at the anchorage for an hour and let refrig run during the  
> night.  In the morning give everything an hour recharge and you  
> should fine for the day.
>
> Others also use generators on their C320's, however I am not in this  
> school of thought - boat is a bit too tight to lose space to a  
> generator and the added gas tanks, and I do not use an inverter on  
> the boat.  However this is an option to consider.  Now if I had a  
> C470 the generator is fine....  :-)
>
> The key is monitoring your battery usage.
>
> Have fun with the cruise!
>
> Best Regards,
> Andrew
>
> C320 "Dawn Treader"
> #333
>
>
> On Jul 1, 2009, at 8:36 PM, 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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