[C320-list] New Topic - Solar Panels

Dave Anderer danderer at udel.edu
Wed Aug 18 11:33:04 PDT 2010 

If you're not finding the answers you need here, you might try other
resources.  Personally, my favorite is Calder.


On Wed, Aug 18, 2010 at 2:22 PM, Scott Thompson <surprise at thompson87.com>wrote:

> All very interesting, but the question was about solar panels.  If anyone
> has anything to contribute on that, I'm also interested, since a good
> alternator is NOT sufficient for those of us who keep boats on moorings
> instead of in slips with shore power.  I have a Balmer alternator and
> regulator, but I want to be able to go for a day sail, run the fridge,
> autopilot, instruments, etc., and NOT have to run the engine for an hour or
> more afterwards to recharge the batteries.
>
> My attempts to get good advice on how to set up a solar solution seem to
> always devolve into a discussion about how to live aboard completely off the
> grid without running the engine.  That requires big solar panels, regulators
> to go with them, and maybe an arch to hold the panels. All I want is to have
> my batteries fully charged when I get back to the boat after it has been
> sitting on the mooring for two weeks unattended. Surely there is a way.
>
> Jeff Hare wrote:
>
>> I suspect if you remove the internal regulator from the stock hitachi, and
>> hook up the Balmar regulator, you'll fry the hitachi the first time you fire
>> the engine after being on a mooring for a few days.
>> I doubt the windings could handle sustained 80amp current.
>> Balmar is a pretty common high amp replacement as is the PowerMax 125 from
>> Ferris Power systems.  I have an Amptech 125 and I've seen it running at
>> 105A for better than 10 minutes recharging my 4D AGMs.  I really like the
>> Balmar regulator and would do that one were I doing that again.  I would
>> still get the Amptech/PowerMax alternator. Its a really solid performer as
>> long as you use good fan belts.
>> -Jeff
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: David Swanson <kswanson123 at comcast.net>
>> Sender: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
>> Date: Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:33:45 To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>> Reply-To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] New Topic - Solar Panels
>>
>> Sam,
>>
>> I believe Hitachi for stock alternators, that is what mine is and Balmar
>> for aftermarket high output alternators (this is what I may install after I
>> try installing a Balmar 3-stage charge regulator with my stock Hitachi 60A
>> alternator.
>>
>> Dave Swanson
>> S/V Emily Ann 2007 C320 MK II, No.  1107
>>
>>
>> On Aug 17, 2010, at 6:03 PM, Sam Weston wrote:
>>
>>  What size and brand of alternator is most common ?   Mariah 585
>>>
>>> --------------------------------------------------
>>> From: "Warren Updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com>
>>> Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 5:17 PM
>>> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] New Topic - Solar Panels
>>>
>>>  Pat, if you are more than a week-end cruiser consider upgrading to a
>>>> high
>>>> output alternator and external regulator. With good batteries, battery
>>>> monitor, and hi o/p alt. I can go 2 days without charging. When I do
>>>> charge,
>>>> it's much faster with the Hi o/p alt. I also have a separate starting
>>>> battery so starting doesn't rely on the house batteries. Oh, and
>>>> paralleling
>>>> the two 4Ds means more total amp hours and more life for the bank.
>>>>
>>>> There are solutions on the C320 web site.  If you want my project
>>>> article
>>>> that ran in the Mainsheet, e-mail me off-list and I'll send it to you.
>>>>
>>>> Warren & Pattie Updike
>>>> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr de Mar"
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: Pat Kenefick [mailto:pkenefick at embarqmail.com]
>>>> Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 10:50 AM
>>>> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
>>>> Subject: [C320-list] New Topic - Solar Panels
>>>>
>>>> I am beginning to research the use of solar panels so that I can avoid
>>>> having to start the engine every day when I am on the hook or moored. I
>>>> would like to know from those who have installed panels what size in
>>>> terms
>>>> of wattage did you install and is there a specific brand that is
>>>> recommended
>>>>
>>>> ? I have the Catalina standard refrigeration, TV, radio system, fans
>>>> etc..
>>>> Thank you
>>>> Pat Kenefick
>>>> Cynthia Gale
>>>> Bath , NC
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: <
>>>> c320-list-request at lists.catalina320.com>
>>>> To: <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
>>>> Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2010 3:00 PM
>>>> Subject: C320-list Digest, Vol 865, Issue 2
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>  Send C320-list mailing list submissions to
>>>>> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
>>>>>
>>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>>>>> http://lists.catalina320.com/listinfo.cgi/c320-list-catalina320.com
>>>>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>>>>> c320-list-request at lists.catalina320.com
>>>>>
>>>>> You can reach the person managing the list at
>>>>> c320-list-owner at lists.catalina320.com
>>>>>
>>>>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>>>>> than "Re: Contents of C320-list digest..."
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Today's Topics:
>>>>>
>>>>>  1. Re: Battery boxes (Warren Updike)
>>>>>  2. Re: Bird Problem (Joseph Aberdale)
>>>>>  3. Re: Battery boxes (djgleason1 at juno.com)
>>>>>  4. Equalization (Paul Rickman)
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>
>>>>> Message: 1
>>>>> Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:29:21 -0400
>>>>> From: "Warren Updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com>
>>>>> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>>>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Battery boxes
>>>>> Message-ID: <BAY156-ds5DD1CA89C62750CCB4F89BE9A0 at phx.gbl>
>>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>>>>
>>>>> Jeff, my understanding is that conditioning and equalization are not
>>>>> the
>>>>> same thing. Conditioning consists of imparting a low voltage at high
>>>>> frequency, while equalization imparts a high voltage intended to force
>>>>> the
>>>>> cells to move to a common high voltage. Equalization causes the cells
>>>>> to
>>>>> gas
>>>>> excessively.  Conditioning can be done over a long period of time
>>>>> without
>>>>> monitoring.  Equalization is a process that must be carefully monitored
>>>>> to
>>>>> avoid damaging the cells.
>>>>>
>>>>> There is a lot more to be said about both and I am curious for any
>>>>> other
>>>>> comments on either process.
>>>>>
>>>>> When I bought a new external regulator, Balmar ARS-5, it didn't have an
>>>>> equalization option. Balmar told me that equalization is a
>>>>> controversial
>>>>> issue and that Balmar was thinking of dropping it from future product
>>>>> versions.  I have never performed an equalization.
>>>>>
>>>>> Warren & Pattie Updike
>>>>> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr de Mar"
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Jeff Hare [mailto:catalina at thehares.com]
>>>>> Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2010 9:45 AM
>>>>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Battery boxes
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi John,
>>>>>
>>>>> It is unlikely that a charger would switch to the conditioning
>>>>> (equalization?) Mode on its own. This is something you would normally
>>>>> have
>>>>> to do intentionally since there are precautions that need to be taken
>>>>> before
>>>>> using this mode.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have lifeline 4Ds.  They're great in my situation because of the long
>>>>> winter layup we have.  I can disconnect them and ignore them all winter
>>>>> and
>>>>> they're still fully charged after 6 mos.  Standard Flooded batteries
>>>>> wouldn't survive this without periodic charging or a solar panel.
>>>>>
>>>>> What charger do you have?  The mfgr could clear up the equalization
>>>>> mode
>>>>> question for you.
>>>>>
>>>>> -Jeff
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: LOCALJG at aol.com
>>>>> Sender: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
>>>>> Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:48:34
>>>>> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>>>>> Reply-To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Battery boxes
>>>>>
>>>>> Great info Bill!  Thanks.  It sounds like the Lifeline 4D AGMs  are the
>>>>> way
>>>>> to go.  My charging system is the three stage type so I  will have to
>>>>> figure out a way how to get rid of the conditioning stage.  I  hear
>>>>> that
>>>>> you
>>>>> can
>>>>> fry an AGM if it goes through the conditioning stage of  the recharge
>>>>> process.  It looks like a little more research is in  order on my part?
>>>>>
>>>>> John  #329
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> In a message dated 8/14/2010 3:58:30 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
>>>>> billculb_a2 at yahoo.com writes:
>>>>>
>>>>> John,
>>>>> Rolls are pretty much the Rolls-Royce of lead-acid  batteries.  For
>>>>> AGMs I
>>>>> feel
>>>>> that Lifeline's are the  Rolls-Royce.  I replaced my original Exide
>>>>> Gold's
>>>>> with 2
>>>>> LifeLine  4D's 2 years ago after getting a whopping 7 years out of the
>>>>> Exide's.
>>>>> The  Lifeline's are expensive but projected to give lots of years and
>>>>> I'm
>>>>> sold on
>>>>> the advantages of AGMs.  Also they are rated @ 210Ah and I had lots  of
>>>>> trouble
>>>>> finding any 4Ds over 180Ah.
>>>>> http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/marinedeepcycle.php
>>>>>
>>>>> -bill
>>>>> Harmony  #859
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ________________________________
>>>>> From:  "LOCALJG at aol.com" <LOCALJG at aol.com>
>>>>> To:  C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>>> Sent: Sat, August 14, 2010 3:30:03 PM
>>>>> Subject:  Re: [C320-list] Battery boxes
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi Larry:  Thanks for the  info.  My boat is paid for so this isn't an
>>>>> insurance issue.  I  was just curious.  I like doing things correctly
>>>>> and
>>>>> just
>>>>> couldn't  understand why Catalina would not be doing "the right thing"
>>>>> when
>>>>> it
>>>>> came  to battery boxes.  Apparently Catalina is doing the right thing.
>>>>>
>>>>> Which reminds me; thank you to all the people who provided me with the
>>>>> wealth of information that has been sent.  Whatever they are paying
>>>>>  you
>>>>> guys, it
>>>>>
>>>>> isn't enough.
>>>>>
>>>>> Larry, you mentioned two  other types of batteries; AGMs and Gells.  I
>>>>> was
>>>>> under the  understanding that the Rolls 4D was, well, the Rolls Royce
>>>>> of
>>>>> batteries?  For a cruising C320, do you believe another battery would
>>>>> provide
>>>>> the
>>>>>
>>>>> requisite energy and still provide such a long life as  the 4D?  The
>>>>> 4Ds I
>>>>> am about to replace have been in service for over  10 years and are
>>>>> only
>>>>> now
>>>>> beginning to have issues.
>>>>>
>>>>> One  thing I can say about not having a battery sealed in a battery box
>>>>> is
>>>>> that  there has been some acid leakage down the battery and onto the
>>>>> fiberglass.  The fiberglass has been discolored but still holds
>>>>>  strong.
>>>>>
>>>>> Does anyone else have this acid on fiberglass  issue?
>>>>>
>>>>> John #  329
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>>
>>>>> Message: 2
>>>>> Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:41:57 -0400
>>>>> From: Joseph Aberdale <summerwind3 at comcast.net>
>>>>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Bird Problem
>>>>> Message-ID: <FB79DFA6-F01D-4498-8378-C4CE60CDEE07 at comcast.net>
>>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>>>>>
>>>>> Do they use monofilament and how do they mount it  to the mast and
>>>>> shroud?  I have an in mast furling mainsail so I would be reluctant
>>>>> to put screws into the mast.  Thanks.
>>>>>
>>>>> On Aug 14, 2010, at 8:15 PM, David J Cardoza wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>  Not sure where you're from but almost everyone where we keep our
>>>>>> boat on
>>>>>> Buzzards Bay on Cape Cod has trip lines wired across about 3 to 5
>>>>>> inches
>>>>>> above our spreaders. It's very effective.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
>>>>>> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of MICHAEL
>>>>>> COLE
>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, August 14, 2010 12:17 AM
>>>>>> To: Catalina320
>>>>>> Subject: [C320-list] Bird Problem
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Joe I don't know whether your gulls are more agressive than the
>>>>>> ones we
>>>>>> have in Sydney but I bought a plastic owl and slung it up on the
>>>>>> spinnaker topping lift so that it hangs midway between the mast and
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> pulpit--it seems to work OK. There is another 320 moored out a
>>>>>> couple of
>>>>>> hundred yards away with the same type of owl sitting on pushpit rail
>>>>>> together with old CDs strung on lines from bow to stern
>>>>>>                  Mike Cole  #421 Mio Dio
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>>
>>>>> Message: 3
>>>>> Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:45:45 -0400
>>>>> From: djgleason1 at juno.com
>>>>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>>> Cc: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Battery boxes
>>>>> Message-ID: <20100815.104645.48.229285 at mailpop06.dca.untd.com>
>>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>>>>>
>>>>> Bob:
>>>>>
>>>>> In response to your question regarding the breaker panel on the port
>>>>> side
>>>>> is:  The original placement of the  4 D batteries was one on the port
>>>>> side just forward of the nav table.  The other was placed on the
>>>>> starboard side.  On hull #150, the previous owner moved the port
>>>>> battery
>>>>> to the starboard side.  I do not know when Catalina made the change to
>>>>> both on the starboard side.
>>>>>
>>>>> Dave Gleason, #150
>>>>> Proud Mary
>>>>>
>>>>> On Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:01:40 -0400 Robert Seastream
>>>>> <robert.seastream at comcast.net> writes:
>>>>>
>>>>>> This raises another question.  Why did Catalina put the breaker panel
>>>>>>
>>>>>> to port (at least on my model), rather than starboard where the
>>>>>> batteries are?
>>>>>> I'd think placing the breaker panel to starboard would have reduced
>>>>>>
>>>>>> some cable runs and their inherent voltage drop.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Bob Seastream
>>>>>> Intuition # 906
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Aug 13, 2010, at 7:14 PM, Jeff Hare wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>  Hi,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I can't say whose right.  *I* believe Catalina however.  With well
>>>>>>> over 1000 hulls built and shipped all over the world this way,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> it's
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> a non-issue for the intended use of the boat in my opinion.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Given that the batteries are in a well protected area and securely
>>>>>>> held down, sit in a spill tray,  there's little to be gained by a
>>>>>>> battery box. One wouldn't fit anyway without downsizing the
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> batteries.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The real danger of flooded batteries I've heard is the chance of
>>>>>>> seawater contacting battery acid. A box won't likely solve that
>>>>>>> since they MUST be we'll vented.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> If using the boat for serious offshore use you'd use AGMs anyway
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> for
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> maximum safety.
>>>>>>> Just keep the 4Ds we'll secured and enjoy the boat.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> -Jeff
>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>> From: LOCALJG at aol.com
>>>>>>> Sender: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
>>>>>>> Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:58:15
>>>>>>> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>>>>>>> Reply-To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>>>>> Subject: [C320-list] Battery boxes
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> In April I bought a beautiful Catalina 320.  During the survey,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> the
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> surveyor noted that the Catalina's three batteries were not in
>>>>>>> battery boxes.  The
>>>>>>> broker said that Catalina has a waiver for the 320 and the boats
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> come
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> without battery boxes from the factory.  The surveyor had never
>>>>>>> heard this and
>>>>>>> didn't believe it.  The surveyor believed that the Coast Guard
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> would
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> have a
>>>>>>> serious problem with a boat that had its batteries that were not in
>>>>>>> battery
>>>>>>> boxes.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> So, who's correct?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Due to the age of the batteries, it is time for me to replace all
>>>>>>> three
>>>>>>> batteries and this would be a great time to place the batteries in
>>>>>>> boxes if it
>>>>>>> is truly required by the Coast Guard. Just for the sake of safety,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> I
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> believe
>>>>>>> I should place the batteries in boxes but I am curious as to the
>>>>>>> broker's
>>>>>>> veracity on this subject.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Is there anyone out there who can state categorically and without
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> a
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> doubt
>>>>>>> who is correct, the surveyor or the broker?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> If the Battery boxes are truly required, It appears I will be
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> somewhat
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> challenged due to the space available to me.  The group 27,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> starting
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> battery is
>>>>>>> up in the front of the starboard settee and just behind it is the
>>>>>>> first of
>>>>>>> two Rolls, 4Ds.  The second 4D is in the compartment just behind
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> the
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> other
>>>>>>> two batteries.  I think the problem is going to be getting the
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> group
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 27
>>>>>>> battery in a box due to its location at the front of the settee.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> So, how do the rest of you 320 battery box people do it?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thanks for any input you care to share.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> John.  #329
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>  ____________________________________________________________
>>>>> Project Management Cert
>>>>> Villanova PMP&#174 & CAPM&#174 Classes. Average Salary For PMPs is
>>>>> $100K
>>>>> http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4c68281da6e846e5ea1st05duc
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>>
>>>>> Message: 4
>>>>> Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 11:14:01 -0700 (PDT)
>>>>> From: Paul Rickman <ilove2sail at verizon.net>
>>>>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>>> Subject: [C320-list] Equalization
>>>>> Message-ID: <910593.70958.qm at web84306.mail.re1.yahoo.com>
>>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>>>>>
>>>>> Here is one opion:
>>>>>
>>>>> http://shop.pkys.com/battery-equalization.aspx
>>>>>
>>>>> There are others that can be searched out.
>>>>>
>>>>> The Xantrex True Charge 20 has an equalizer but
>>>>> it must be manually turned on. It can be turned off
>>>>> by simply cutting the power to the unit.
>>>>>
>>>>> Paul
>>>>> Affinity 657
>>>>> Bay Bridge Marina
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ________________________________
>>>>> From: Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com>
>>>>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>>> Sent: Sun, August 15, 2010 4:29:21 PM
>>>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Battery boxes
>>>>>
>>>>> Jeff, my understanding is that conditioning and equalization are not
>>>>> the
>>>>> same thing. Conditioning consists of imparting a low voltage at high
>>>>> frequency, while equalization imparts a high voltage intended to force
>>>>> the
>>>>> cells to move to a common high voltage. Equalization causes the cells
>>>>> to
>>>>> gas
>>>>> excessively.? Conditioning can be done over a long period of time
>>>>> without
>>>>> monitoring.? Equalization is a process that must be carefully monitored
>>>>> to
>>>>> avoid damaging the cells.?
>>>>>
>>>>> There is a lot more to be said about both and I am curious for any
>>>>> other
>>>>> comments on either process.
>>>>>
>>>>> When I bought a new external regulator, Balmar ARS-5, it didn't have an
>>>>> equalization option. Balmar told me that equalization is a
>>>>> controversial
>>>>> issue and that Balmar was thinking of dropping it from future product
>>>>> versions.? I have never performed an equalization.
>>>>>
>>>>> Warren & Pattie Updike
>>>>> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr de Mar"
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Jeff Hare [mailto:catalina at thehares.com]
>>>>> Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2010 9:45 AM
>>>>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Battery boxes
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi John,
>>>>>
>>>>> It is unlikely that a charger would switch to the conditioning
>>>>> (equalization?) Mode on its own. This is something you would normally
>>>>> have
>>>>> to do intentionally since there are precautions that need to be taken
>>>>> before
>>>>> using this mode.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have lifeline 4Ds.? They're great in my situation because of the long
>>>>> winter layup we have.? I can disconnect them and ignore them all winter
>>>>> and
>>>>> they're still fully charged after 6 mos.? Standard Flooded batteries
>>>>> wouldn't survive this without periodic charging or a solar panel.
>>>>>
>>>>> What charger do you have?? The mfgr could clear up the equalization
>>>>> mode
>>>>> question for you.
>>>>>
>>>>> -Jeff
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: LOCALJG at aol.com
>>>>> Sender: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
>>>>> Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:48:34
>>>>> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>>>>> Reply-To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Battery boxes
>>>>>
>>>>> Great info Bill!? Thanks.? It sounds like the Lifeline 4D AGMs? are the
>>>>> way
>>>>> to go.? My charging system is the three stage type so I? will have to
>>>>> figure out a way how to get rid of the conditioning stage.? I? hear
>>>>> that
>>>>> you
>>>>> can
>>>>> fry an AGM if it goes through the conditioning stage of? the recharge
>>>>> process.? It looks like a little more research is in? order on my
>>>>> part??
>>>>>
>>>>> John? #329
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> In a message dated 8/14/2010 3:58:30 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,?
>>>>> billculb_a2 at yahoo.com writes:
>>>>>
>>>>> John,
>>>>> Rolls are pretty much the Rolls-Royce of lead-acid? batteries.? For
>>>>> AGMs I
>>>>> feel
>>>>> that Lifeline's are the? Rolls-Royce.? I replaced my original Exide
>>>>> Gold's
>>>>> with 2
>>>>> LifeLine? 4D's 2 years ago after getting a whopping 7 years out of the
>>>>> Exide's.
>>>>> The? Lifeline's are expensive but projected to give lots of years and
>>>>> I'm
>>>>> sold on?
>>>>> the advantages of AGMs.? Also they are rated @ 210Ah and I had lots? of
>>>>> trouble
>>>>> finding any 4Ds over 180Ah.
>>>>> http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/marinedeepcycle.php
>>>>>
>>>>> -bill
>>>>> Harmony? #859
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ________________________________
>>>>> From:? "LOCALJG at aol.com" <LOCALJG at aol.com>
>>>>> To:? C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>>> Sent: Sat, August 14, 2010 3:30:03 PM
>>>>> Subject:? Re: [C320-list] Battery boxes
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi Larry:? Thanks for the? info.? My boat is paid for so this isn't an
>>>>> insurance issue.? I? was just curious.? I like doing things correctly
>>>>> and
>>>>> just
>>>>> couldn't? understand why Catalina would not be doing "the right thing"
>>>>> when
>>>>> it
>>>>> came? to battery boxes.? Apparently Catalina is doing the right thing.?
>>>>>
>>>>> Which reminds me; thank you to all the people who provided me with the?
>>>>> wealth of information that has been sent.? Whatever they are paying?
>>>>> you
>>>>> guys, it
>>>>>
>>>>> isn't enough.?
>>>>>
>>>>> Larry, you mentioned two? other types of batteries; AGMs and Gells.? I
>>>>> was
>>>>> under the? understanding that the Rolls 4D was, well, the Rolls Royce
>>>>> of?
>>>>> batteries?? For a cruising C320, do you believe another battery would?
>>>>> provide
>>>>> the
>>>>>
>>>>> requisite energy and still provide such a long life as? the 4D?? The
>>>>> 4Ds I
>>>>> am about to replace have been in service for over? 10 years and are
>>>>> only
>>>>> now
>>>>> beginning to have issues.?
>>>>>
>>>>> One? thing I can say about not having a battery sealed in a battery box
>>>>> is
>>>>> that? there has been some acid leakage down the battery and onto the?
>>>>> fiberglass.? The fiberglass has been discolored but still holds?
>>>>> strong.?
>>>>>
>>>>> Does anyone else have this acid on fiberglass? issue??
>>>>>
>>>>> John #? 329
>>>>>
>>>>> End of CMz==
>>>>>
>>>>
> --
> Scott Thompson
> Surprise, #653
>

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