[C320-list] [C320-List] Electrical Problem

[Mike Paris]

I replaced the charger with a Xantrex Truecharge2 and I replaced the batteries with Interstate flooded 4Ds. I still have something that is draining the batteries very quickly. I went out today with both batteries fully charged and the battery switch set to "2." I had the ST-60 gauges, C90 chartplotter/radar, and refrigerator on. I moitored out about 20 minutes and, after sailing for about 20 minutes, checked the batteries. The battery in use (#2) showed that it was already down to 75%. I only have the stock battery meter but I'm planning to get a LinkPro. I turned the refrigerator switch off but left all of the instruments on and sailed on for another couple of hours. The battery did not drop any further and, in fact, I was able to start the engine with it still set to "2." 

What should my next steps be to get this situation resolved?

Thanks to all,
Mike P
#734



Begin forwarded message:


  From: "Jeff Hare" <catalina at thehares.com>
  Date: January 13, 2010 2:53:14 PM PST
  To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
  Subject: Re: [C320-list] Electrical problem
  Reply-To: C320-List at Catalina320.com


  Mike,

  Since you are in a warm climate I also think that the interstate truck batteries are a good option.  

  I recommend adding an automotive AGM *starting* battery like an Exide Orbital or equivalent.  It is totally maint free and saves your 4Ds from the slow damage that engine starting currents inflict on deep cycles.  This isolation also reduces voltage spikes to your electronics while starting your engine. 

  If you're going with a new pair of 4Ds, hardwire them in parallel and treat them as one big battery. You'll get noticably more usable house power from them, and never have to worry about starting your engine.  

  AGMs are only a decent (but expensive) option if you meet several of the following criteria:

  1. You have a good charger with an AGM setting preferrably.  I have a Charles-40 amp.

  2. You have a high output alternator. 

  3. You spend a decent amount of time off of shore power.  We cruised for 15 days without shore power and didn't have to conserve elec. 
  4. You live in a cold climate where you winterize the boat for more than 4mos. 

  AGMs may hold a decent charge for 6mos, without needing a charge. They don't freeze, and accept much higher charging currents than flooded which is a benefit to those needing to recharge batteries quickly using the engine while on the hook. 

  They don't really offer much in the way of additional life or capacity, so flooded batteries are still a good option if you don't have a powerful alternator. 

  AGMs were so expensive I worry about them more than I did the flooded batteries.  ~ $900 for the pair.  Don't like that part so much. 

  -jeff


  -----Original Message-----
  From: "Warren Updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com>
  Date: Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:41:48 
  To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
  Subject: Re: [C320-list] Electrical problem

  Mike, I replaced with Interstate 3 years ago and am very happy. I would have
  preferred the AGMs but the price didn't work for me. AGMs are, yes, lo/no
  maintenance; but, the charge rate and number of charge cycles are better
  meaning they will last longer.

  I found that Interstate had at least 2 different 4D batteries. The one I
  bought is the "SRM-4D Marine/RV - 30 months, 1314 cold cranking amps.
  Larger plates, more capacity the commercial model.  I bought them through my
  marina store for about $170. At the time the SRP was $178.

  I called the techs at Interstate. They were very helpful. They told me that
  the capacity was 195AH.  They also gave the the Pukart (sp?) value to use
  with my battery monitor.

  BTW, most battery mfgrs don't quote AH ratings on their batteries. An
  estimate can be made by multiplying the Reserve Capacity (RC) by 0.6.

  If I don't hit the lottery in the meantime, I'll likely purchase them again.

  FYI, Nigel Calder (I think it was,) did a study of the cost per AH of marine
  power.  Exotic systems aside, he concluded that the least cost is with wet
  cells, shore charger, and a gas generator.  Convenience was not a criteria
  for this study, just cost.

  Warren & Pattie Updike
  Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
  Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

  -----Original Message-----
  From: Martin Raphael [mailto:Rhapsody108 at q.com] 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 9:43 PM
  To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
  Subject: Re: [C320-list] Electrical problem

  I have had really good luck with Interstate batteries, and their prices are
  much better than WM.  Check them out and see what you think.  They are the
  right size (assuming you have been using 2 4Ds).  An interment search is a
  good idea too, as you may find some cheaper sources...but do check the
  dimensions to avoid problems with fit in the boxes.
  Martin Raphael
  Rhapsody #108 (for 1 more day...just sold the boat!)
   ----- Original Message ----- 
   From: Mike Paris<mailto:mparis495 at gmail.com> 
   To: C320-List at Catalina320.com<mailto:C320-List at Catalina320.com> 
   Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 5:48 PM
   Subject: Re: [C320-list] Electrical problem


   I'm going to buy new batteries. Are there any potential problems with me 
   just replacing the batteries? Mainly, could I damage the new ones if there

   is some unknown problem at the source of my electrical troubles.

   Secondly, wet cell or AGM? The West Marine price for a wet cell is $292
  and 
   an AGM is $539. Is the AGM that much better?

   Finally, should I replace the ProMariner with the Xantrex 20 just on 
   principle? It doesn't seem to be giving me problems but many have strong 
   feelings against the ProMariner.

   Thanks,
   Mike
   #734