[C320-list] Battery Management

[Guy Henry]

I have the EU2000i, but i'd say the EU2000ia is just a newer model.  Mine is 
2 years old.
The picture of the EU2000ia looks like the same except the case my be 
slightly redesigned.

Guy
MoonShadow #115


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <hcreech at comcast.net>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 8:32 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Battery Management


> 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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