[C320-list] Battery Charger Mystery

[Henderson, David]

Hello All,  I have an issue that I don't remember ever seeing on the
list, and would appreciate any input or advice.

Boat was launched last Friday afternoon (YEAH!!!).   Sailed her to home
port in Cohasset, MA next day.  Upon arrival, plugged shore power and
flipped on the breaker for my Charles Industries 30 amp charger.
Immediately heard a "snap, crackle & pop" kind of sound coming from the
direction of the port cockpit locker.  Shut off the breaker and went to
investigate.  Found water droplets all over the cover of the charger and
a smell of something electrical that had burned.  Subsequent multimeter
test of the charger confirmed it was dead  - plenty of AC still going
in, but no DC coming out.  I think it's safe to assume that the water
got inside as well and fried it.  Upon removing the charger next day,
noticed salt crystals all over exterior - it would seem that ocean water
is the culprit.

I have shipped the charger back to Charles to see if it can be repaired.
Meantime, my real question is, how the heck did the water get in there?
This is 8th season with this boat and have never had this problem
before.   The weather conditions during Saturday's sail were light winds
and calm seas.  No waves or chop, and no chance of getting the rail in
the water.  

Two possibilities I can think of:  1) The vented loop in the locker.
Believe this is part of raw water cooling system.   I checked the hose
clamps and they were reasonably (not completely) tight.  When I started
engine for first time, it took several minutes for the pink stuff
antifreeze to pump through and out.  It must have coagulated or there
was some other blockage as all of a sudden there was a big burp and a
bunch came out at once, and she pumped pure salt water beautifully after
that.  Before it cleared itself, perhaps there was enough back pressure
to force salt water out of the vented loop, and it sprayed onto the
charger???   2) Condensation  -  There were a couple of very wet towels
and coils of line in the locker.  Were the drops of water on/in the
charger just condensation???? 

Anybody else lose a charger in this way?  Thanks much.

Dave Henderson

"Dottie B"  #1049