[C320-list] Re Batteries & Fridge

[Scott Thompson]

Hi Jack:  I'm catching up on old emails after some vacation.  I'm on a 
mooring.  The challenge is keeping the batteries topped off without 
shore power, plus the love/hate relationship with the dinghy.  I would 
really like to find a good option for keeping the batteries topped off 
using solar -- something for my winter "to do" list.

WHO HAS INSTALLED SOLAR PANELS ON A 320???  I would like details.

Scott Thompson
Surprise, 653

Jack McDonough wrote:
> Irv:
> 
> I always start the engine on Both (or ALL), to make certain I have 
> enough juice to get it  going. Then I switch to either 1 or 2. I don't 
> understand what you mean when you say to switch to 1 or 2 after you 
> STOP  the engine. Why not switch while it's running? Once it's stopped, 
> what difference does it make which battery setting you're on unless 
> you're running refrigeration or lights or something else?
> 
> I have discussed this battery subject over the years with any number of 
> boat owners and yacht yard personnel. I have learned that
> (1) it's OK to run it on All; (2) It's not wise to run it on All; (3) 
> It's OK to switch batteries while the engine is running (but, of course, 
> don't turn it to Off.); (4) Everything in 1, 2 and 3 is right. (5) 
> Everything in 1,2 and 3 is wrong. In other words, ask 10 people and 
> you'll get 10 different answers.
> 
> On a totally different subject, am I the only 320 owner on the planet 
> whose boat is on a mooring? Everyone else on this 320 website seems to 
> be at a slip.
> 
> jack
> #947
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Irving Grunes" <igrunes at gmail.com>
> To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 6:42 AM
> Subject: [C320-list] Re Batteries & Fridge
> 
> 
>> Brad,
>> No sense FREAKING
>>
>> It is not advisable to ever have the batteries on both because then the
>> higher battery will try to charge toe lower battery with the end 
>> result two
>> lower batteries.
>> If you try to start the engine and either of the batteries won't do it
>> independently, then connect to both to get a little more power. Keep 
>> them on
>> both until you stop the engine and go back to 1 or 2
>> If you are out and know you will be running the engine for a while, 
>> then put
>> the batteries to both so the engine generator will be charging both. 
>> As soon
>> as you stop the engine go back to 1 or 2
>>
>> Re the fridge. When in the slip, with the charger on, the charger is
>> connected to each battery independently.so there is no advantage to 
>> having
>> them on both. So leave the switch on one or two
>> If you leave the fridge on and for some reason you lose dock power, the
>> charger turns off and the fridge will just knock down the one battery and
>> not both. Thats why you only want one battery on.
>>
>> At our slip on Sue Creek, the dock power is very sensitive to 
>> lightening and
>> so we just don't leave the fridge on.  And since the fridge cools off
>> quickly, and  by the time we want a beer, its cold.
>>
>> Hope this helps the question on the battery switch position
>>
>> Irv Grunes
>> 2001 #851 
> 

-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653