[C320-list] Fridge Usage

[David Swanson]

Colin,

I installed a Xantrex LinkPro Battery Monitor when In installed a start battery and an Echo Charger in my C320 about a year and a half ago.  It was straight forward to install and pretty simple to do.  Just last weekend, I posted some photos of my installation on our C320IA website along with some other photos of a diesel heater installation, davits installation, and transporting our boat by truck.  Check them out under my name on the C320IA Owners Gallery.  The LinkPro is a great tool to have to monitor power usage and charging while anchored out.  I wouldn't leave home without it!

Dave

David Swanson
S/V Emily Ann
2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107
Mukilteo, WA 


On Dec 5, 2011, at 1:52 PM, Colin Evans wrote:

> Thanks Warren,
> Useful information.  I think the batteries need checking. We are just coming
> into summer here, but not particularly hot yet.  The batteries are fully
> chrged when we leave the marina,showing over 13v,with the green lights on
> indicating fully charged,  and responded quickly when the engine was run for
> about an hour as we have a new Belmar smart reg on the alternator.
> Our usage is nothing special except for the fridge.  At this time of the
> year we spend most time on deck with a small solar light, maybe the stereo
> on and cabin light late for a short time plus the usual things like water
> pump.  We seldom have more than two lights on.
> Is a battery monitor something that can be done by a non- proffessional or
> should I mortgage the house and get a marine electrician to do it? 
> *************************
> Regards
> Colin Evans
> Watermark #774
> Lake Macquarie, Australia
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Warren Updike
> Sent: Tuesday, 6 December 2011 8:41 AM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fridge Usage
> 
> Colin, your duty cycle is about 30% (5/15,) which sounds about right for
> late in the season after the heat of summer.  I surveyed mine as about 40%
> in warmer weather.  I have a battery monitor and it shows a draw of about
> 5-1/2A when running.  So 24 hrs X 5.5A X 0.4DC = 52A  With fully charged
> house bank of 300A, you should have about 150A to use.  That's at least 2
> days on the hook depending on your other loads.  However, if your batteries
> have been chronically undercharged and are a few years old they will not
> take or hold a full charge and will run down quickly.  It's not at all
> unusual to have this situation.  Battery management is a whole separate
> topic.
> My recommendations: 1) any boat with a fridge should have a battery monitor;
> 2) before spending any significant amounts, do a full power requirement
> survey for your boat.  You'll find a spreadsheet and instructions for doing
> this on our web site; 3) test your batteries with either a temp. compensated
> hygrometer or load tester, this will give you a better picture of the status
> of your batteries.
> There is a wealth of information on the internet on managing batteries, and
> Nigel Calder's books are almost a requirement for anyone doing their own
> maintenance.
> Most of what I know about boats I learned the hard way.
> Warren & Pattie Updike
> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Colin Evans [mailto:twosailors at bigpond.com] 
> Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2011 8:41 PM
> To: 'Catalina Discussion '
> Subject: [C320-list] Fridge Usage
> 
> 
> 
> Our fridge cycles on for four or five minute then off for about fifteen
> minutes, does this seem correct.  I have the thermostat set on 2 and we run
> out of enough power to run the fridge in less than 24 hours, which doesn`t
> seem right as we have recently put a start battery on , so now the house
> power is 300 amps.  The batteries are less than two years old so I don`t
> think they are at fault, and are alway fully charged when we leave the
> marina.
> 
> Any suggestions.
> 
> *************************
> Regards
> Colin Evans
> Watermark #774
> Lake Macquarie, Australia
> 
>