[C320-list] Charles Charger Inverter Problem

[Rick Sulewski]

Crosby & Alan,

The load problem was the issue the other week with my battery bank.  

I first learned I had a problem when I had to turn off the engine to
literally check with a fisherman to confirm my shoreline location after
spending a couple of hours motoring in heavy fog. I had navigated for about
11 miles using only a compass because I forgot to bring the GPS on our first
season voyage to the Lake Erie Islands. When I attempted to restart the
engine, I got a dead response, even though my instruments were working. You
can imagine my disgust when I had to do the anchor drill before figuring out
that I only had a dead battery! Fortunately I never keep the battery switch
on "Both" and was easily on my way after switching to battery #2. BTW the
fisherman was not all that helpful and once I figured out that he was
reversing his view of the islands, and I then knew that I could follow the
shoreline and quickly learned that we only missed the South Bass Island
turning buoy by less than a 1/2 mile!!! Lesson learned: place the GPS on the
spring commissioning checklist and consider stowing away "an emergency
battery jumper pack" just in case the batteries discharge or fail in the
future.

Rick
My-Ria # 277  

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Alan Goodman
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 1:36 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Charles Charger Inverter Problem


Crosby - One test to run on your batteries prior to replacing them is a
'load test'.  You'll likely need the marina service department to conduct
this test since most individuals do not own one.  The load tester device
checks a battery under an applied electrical load, simulating the real life
circumstances when you try to draw current.  Remember as a teenager ... the
done light would work, but the car would not crank?   Good voltage under no
load (i.e. the light) and failure to deliver current (bad voltage under load
from the starter).  My guess is the charger is ok, but it sees a state of
'full' battery charge via the battery's voltage ... a misleading indicator
(since no load applied) if a battery has this problem.  Let us know the
outcome ... sort of like stump the chumps on Car Talk !!!   lol   Alan  hull
#67 Holland MI

> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Crosby Roper
> Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2011 8:36 PM
> To: c320-list at catalina320.org
> Subject: [C320-list] Charles Charger Inverter Problem
> 
> 
> Hi All,
>  
> I have Hull # 1054 with the 30 Amp Charles charger-inverter. I went down
to
> the boat the other day to go for a sail and found that the batteries were
> too low to start the engine. I re-connected the shore power and was able
to
> start the engine without a problem. While out, I ran the engine for a good
> 40 minutes and the batteries seemed to charge, as I was able to restart
the
> engine several times without any problem. Went down to the boat again
> yesterday and the same thing.  WHile she is at the slip, I do leave the
> Fridge running, so I think this is what is draining the battery. The Amp
> meter on the Charles will initially reads in the 20-25 range, but quickly
> (Within 10-15 seconds) drops to the 5 range, even though the batteries are
> low. I took off the face panel and changed the AC and DC fuse, but the
> problem still exists. 
>  
> Not sure where to go at this point. I've e-mailed and called the Charles
> service department today, but have not had a response.  I'm hoping one of
> you smart engineering types can help. You see, I got a C- in college
physics
> so I couldn't figure this stuff out 30 years ago, and am apparently no
> smarter now:)
>  
> Thanks for your help.
> 
> Crosby Roper, VMD
> Tethys 
> San Diego, CA