[C320-list] Batteries

[Andrew Santangelo]

Bill, et. al.,

Well it appears we have our concerns, issues, etc. regarding  
batteries.  So let me keep it simple, and just summarize what I did,  
what worked and anything of note:


--> 1996 - 1999: I had the original set-up from Catalina (Basic  
Charger, golf cart batteries)

* In the summer, cold springs and through November Haul out:  When at  
the dock the charger was on all the time.  Key issue - ran refrig all  
the time (food), and wanted back-up for bilge. In the fall the refrig  
was not used much, and hence there was almost no draw on the batteries  
during non-use of the boat - boat storage at the slip.
* Winter hard storage - batteries removed for three seasons and  
trickle charged. Fourth season batteries left on boat and I charged  
them a couple of times in the winter.

SUMMARY - No problems what so ever with batteries, EXCEPT the standard  
alternator did not charge well and while under sail for long periods I  
hated running the engine for hours to recharge batteries (note I run a  
radar, three chart plotters, occasional auto pilot, and refrig as  
needed, PLUS lights during night sailing). Original charger did die on  
me by 1999.

--> 2000, 2001: Brand new Charger (Xantrex), Balmar Alternator, Link  
System, changed to 4 batteries - 1 starting, 3 house batteries.

* In the summer, cold springs and through November Haul out:  When at  
the dock the charger was on all the time.   In the fall the refrig was  
not used much, and hence there was almost no draw on the batteries  
during non-use of the boat - boat storage at the slip. Charger did fine.
* Winter hard storage - being in a warm building/indoor storage  
batteries were left in and boat was plugged in except for when work  
was done on it (new keel, spinnaker gear, electronics, back stay  
adjuster, etc.).

SUMMARY - No problems what so ever with batteries.  I loved getting  
full recharge on batteries with engine running only 45 minutes.   
Charger behaved and no problems with batteries at the dock.  FYI -  
Bilge pump got stuck "on" and ran for 24 hours before some one caught  
it.  Batteries and everything survived.

--> 2002 - 2008: Same setup, however replaced batteries in 2002, 2006

* In the summer, cold springs and through November Haul out:  When at  
the dock the charger was on all the time.  Again in the fall the  
refrig was not used much, and hence there was almost no draw on the  
batteries during non-use of the boat - boat storage at the slip.  
Charger did fine.
* Winter hard storage was outside and batteries were left on the boat.  
Did occasional charging while in winter storage (hooking up the boat),  
but other wise nothing else.

SUMMARY - No problems what so ever with batteries.  Charger and Link  
system continued to work well during all seasons.


-->2009: Same setup, however replaced batteries in 2009.  Marina  
during boat prep and winter storage some how activated the bilge pump  
(yes left "ON") and effectively killed the batteries in storage.
* SO FAR - boat was delivered to SFO and launched in June, and since  
launch has been constantly plugged when at the dock.  So far no  
problems.


To summarize:
* When at dock charger is always on.  No problems.  Batteries do  
fine.  No boat fires, etc.
* When at dock in the cold months (and snow!) charger is always on at  
the dock.  No problems.  Batteries and charger does fine.
* Winter storage on the hard - sometimes trickle charged, sometimes an  
occasional booster charge.  No problems.

BEST ELECTRICAL UPGRADE ON BOAT - High Amp Output Alternator, smart  
charger and Link System, plus new battery configuration. System just  
works, no worries.

FYI - I do NOT have an inverter.  No need to run AC power under sail.   
Never had the need.  No use for Microwave, Hair Dryer, and the sort  
undersail.  Actually I have no microwave - no need and I want the  
storage space!  I also do not have a generator.  Alternator and Diesel  
engine work great providing juice under sail, even with the heavy  
draw.  No need to haul the generator and extra fuel.  NOW if you are  
on a mooring, you may want a generator and/or inverter.

Another tidbit - I have stayed at seven different marinas and none of  
them have required that I have my charger off when I am away or during  
different times of the year.

Best Regards,
Andrew

C320 "Dawn Treader"
#333
Pier 39, SFO



On Oct 30, 2009, at 10:02 AM, wflowe3 at netscape.net wrote:

>
> Allan has hit my concern. My boat will stay in the water over winter  
> with an agitation system under it to prevent ice from forming around  
> the hull. I had planned to leave the charger plugged in to keep the  
> batteries charged and to prolong the ability of the bilge pump to  
> pump if a problem arises. Can I damage the batteries if the charger  
> is left on and there is no drain on the them. I guess I could leave  
> on a cabin light or something if that would help.
> Bill
>