[C320-list] Battery Management

[hcreech at comcast.net]

Bob, 
I've been kicking the idea around of buying a generator as well. I went to the Honda site and saw quite a few versions of 2kw generators, one was the super quiet, I like quite. The model I saw for around a $1000 was the EU2000iA, is that the correct model? Or is there a better model for our application? 


Thanks, Herb Creech 
Cloud Chaser #606 



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Seastream" <robert.seastream at comcast.net> 
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
Sent: Thursday, July 2, 2009 8:17:09 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Battery Management 

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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